Star Boy Siddu Jonnalagadda returns to the spotlight as an actor-writer with "Tillu Square," slated to hit theaters on March 29. Directed by Mallik Ram and produced by S Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments, the film has garnered attention for its captivating songs and promos. Ahead of its release, Siddu delves into the essence of Tillu's character and what audiences can anticipate from "Tillu Square."

Regarding the anticipation for "Tillu Square":

I'm feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. With DJ Tillu, audiences embraced the film without preconceptions and found it refreshing. Now, there's added pressure to live up to the expectations. Tillu, as a character, is inherently insecure, compensating with a flashy persona—his attire and mannerisms exude a sense of grandiosity. It's akin to the proverb, "empty vessels make more noise."

"Tillu Square" promises a fresh perspective in terms of characterization and narrative. Tillu is infused with more energy this time around. However, we maintain familiar characters within a different setting, ensuring that audiences remain entertained. While the canvas is slightly expanded, the essence remains that of a crime comedy. Both Anupama and I share equal prominence in the story, ensuring a balanced portrayal. The film, clocking under two hours, will be concise yet impactful.

Drawing parallels between Siddu and Tillu:

Tillu and I share a similar outlook on life. He's a conflicted soul who wears his heart on his sleeve, while I tend to internalize my emotions. Portraying Tillu was liberating, allowing me to inject my own spirit into the character and offer my perspective on the world. His charm lies in entertaining people through his quirks. The Tillu family operates on a different wavelength—they navigate life with unconventional thinking and quirky reactions.

Establishing Tillu's character in the sequel while retaining his signature look:

In the first installment, we dedicated several scenes to establishing Tillu's character. In the sequel, we delve straight into the narrative. Maintaining Tillu's look throughout the filming process was a challenge, especially amidst other commitments. However, it was essential to preserve continuity for the film's integrity.

On collaborating with a new director:

While conceptualizing "Tillu Square," Vimal Krishna had prior commitments, prompting us to collaborate with a new director. Mallik Ram and I initially discussed a different project, but we decided to prioritize the "DJ Tillu" sequel. Everything fell into place seamlessly thereafter.

Incorporating insights from Trivikram:

Trivikram's input proved invaluable for the film. When deeply immersed in a project, one may lose sight of the bigger picture. Trivikram provided valuable insights during script discussions, enriching the narrative with his cinematic and literary expertise.

The potential for "Tillu" to evolve into a franchise:

There are tentative plans to expand the "Tillu" universe into a franchise, although nothing has been finalized. The decision to embark on "Tillu Square" stemmed from a unique premise, and we are exploring various ideas for future installments.

The advantages of being an actor-writer:

My dual role as an actor and writer offers a deeper understanding of character philosophy, enhancing performance quality. It enables me to grasp the nuances of rhythm, pacing, and pauses, particularly crucial for a chatterbox character like Tillu. Additionally, my writing background aids in comprehending the story trajectory, facilitating seamless collaboration with our editor, Naveen Nooli. Moving forward, I aspire to write stories that complement my acting endeavors.

Insights on the music for "Tillu Square":

Thaman's rendition for "DJ Tillu" was well-received, offering a unique dimension to the film. For "Tillu Square," Bheems Ceciroleo infused a distinct energy, employing a vibrant soundscape. Despite their differences, both films boast captivating music that complements their respective narratives.

Addressing expectations:

While it's challenging to recreate the impact of the initial impression, I approach it with a pragmatic mindset. Much like experiencing a breakup or revisiting a favorite restaurant dish, the novelty may fade, but there's still room for appreciation and enjoyment.

Upcoming endeavors:

In the immediate future, I will focus solely on acting in a couple of upcoming projects. While "Tillu 3" is not on the immediate horizon, I aim to explore a grittier side of storytelling and pen a serious narrative. Currently, I'm involved in scripting Nandini Reddy's film, which will commence filming following Bommarillu Bhaskar's project. I look forward to exploring diverse genres and honing my craft further.