Senior Naresh is on a roll.  'Sammohanam' is proving to be a game-changing film for him as the 58-year-old is getting offers from other industries as well.  In this interview, catch him talk about the film, his role, why he is grateful to today's directors and more.  

TFI is changing:

TFI is making Indian film industry proud.  I have predicted six hits in a row: 'Chalo', 'Toli Prema', 'Rangsthalam', 'Bharat Ane Nenu', 'Mahanati' and 'Sammohanam'.  At the recent event of 'Sammohanam', I told Mahesh Babu that it will be Sudheer Babu's biggest hit and best performance.  

Working with both veterans, youngsters

I am glad to be working with seniors like Sukumar, Trivikram and Indraganti at a time when youngsters are flooding the industry.  I am getting to work with both Trivikrams and Praveen Sattarus.  They are making healthy films.  I come from the Jandhyala school.  I always yearn for healthy family entertainers.  And audiences are welcoming films like 'Sammohanam' with open hands.  

'Sammohanam' is an epic film

I told Indraganti garu that this will become a big film.  When Dil Raju garu is happy with a film, it's a gun-shot hit.  I won't talk about its collections.  Let me say that it's an epic movie in terms of the way a love story has been told.  Someone was telling me yesterday that this is the 'Maro Charitra' of the new age.  

Besides entertainment, the film addresses several issues.  For example, the importance of Telugu, the debates around the Telugu film industry, etc.  

Films made about films haven't worked usually, in the past.  But 'Sammohanam' is an exception.  My character plays a film aficionado.  And an environment sustains in his family.  

Superb characters:

I was pretty sure that Sudheer Babu will have his biggest hit with this film.  His mother is proud of his son for doing 'Sammohanam'.  Not just him, Aditi Rao Hydari, Pavithra Lokesh (seen as Naresh's wife) and Harshini (seen as his daughter) have all done a great job.  For Pavithra, this film is an image makeover as she has played a lively character.  Credit goes to the director for making a mother talk about her failed love story (during college days) to her son.  

We did workshops before the movie was taken to the floors.  We worked so hard for many scenes.

Appreciation, not awards

My role is integral to the story.  Indraganti garu had mooted other names before zeroing on me.  I was a bit apprehensive as to whether I can do justice.  I don't believe in awards, but I am glad the audience and critics are loving my performance.  

Let's do non-Telugu movies:

My stature has gone up with this film.  I am getting calls from other states as well.  Actors from other states are doing Telugu films, as they find opportunities here.  It would be nice if we too start doing films in other states.  

I idolize SVR, Kamal:

I have done many experiments in the past.  I have always been a fan of SV Ranga Rao garu and Kamal Haasan garu.  I take a lot of inspiration from them.  When I entered the industry, I wanted to be in a position to touch SVR garu's feet.  I have experimented throughout my career with Kamal garu as an inspiration.  

My responsibility as an actor has only grown now.  I don't differentiate discriminate against small films, which I will continue to do.