'Needi Naadi Oke Katha', starring Sree Vishnu in the lead, will hit the screens on March 23. Ahead of the film's release, the actor talks about his role in the movie, why it's different, what he wants to do, etc.

Are you playing a dual role in the movie? How relatable was playing the role(s)?

I am not playing a double role. However, the viewer will see it as two characters because of the way the story is narrated. The struggles of a student are shown. I didn't relate much as far as the crisis is concerned. I always was clear about what I wanted to do after studies. I chose BBM. I wanted to be in films even after doing Intermediate.

The role must have been relatable at some level, given that you too must have struggled to land opportunities in the film industry. Isn't it?

To the extent that I had to struggle after my studies, it was a relatable character. There are many youngsters in our society who pursue Engineering because of the prestige it carries. They regret it for the rest of their life as they are not satisfied deep down. One has to do something only if he or she wants it. We have to follow our dreams. Sometimes we may succeed, sometimes we may fail. But we will stay contented that we tried it.

What does 'NNOK' seek to tell?

So many of them think about society during crucial phases of their life. But when we are in dire straits, nobody is there to bail us out. Our film tells that you don't have to suppress your likes for the sake of the society. The film is set in a rural area. And the setting is middle-class in nature.

How was it working with Devi Prasad? How is his role integral to the story?

Devi Prasad garu has played my father in the movie. If the youngsters will connect to my character, the parents out there will connect to his character. He never came with any airs on the sets. I was thrilled about his character.

The release date was announced rather suddenly. Aren't you concerned about publicity?

The budget of small films equals the publicity budget of big-ticket movies. So, we can't spend too much on the publicity. Since the time the First Look of my film was out, the media have supported us. Whenever we make films with a passion, it's the media that takes them to the public. I will be happy if it reaches the most. Also, given that there are so many heroes and directors and so many films that are being made, a movie has to be released whenever the right slot is found.

You do films with mostly new directors. What is the reason?

They are passionate. And the budget suits the stories they come up with. I am at home with them. That said, it's not like I don't want to work with seniors.

We heard that Dogme 95 has been used in the making. What's it about?

It's about zero budgeting. Trolleys, sets, and other such externalities are avoided. We couldn't use the sync sound technique as most of the film was shot outdoor. Although someone has already made a film using Dogme 95 in Malayalam, it never released. We have made trolley-like shots without using a trolley. There are 13-14 single-shot scenes in the movie. Two of the sequences are more than six minutes long. I never approached this character through rehearsals.

Have you been offered films of the 'Mental Madhilo' variety?

I have this urge of trying novel subjects. I have done small roles in the initial years of my career. Since I was new, I had to do them even though I didn't like some of them. It was also a learning experience. I was not looking genuine in those movies. I did 'Unnadi Okate Zindagi' because Kishore Tirumala is very close to me. If something good happens to me, he is among the first persons to feel happy.

Many youngsters are these days trying to become mass heroes. What about you?

I don't have such a plan. Even if I desire it, it's not easy as a lot of effort should go into it. I want to try a variety of concept films. When I listen to a story, I listen to it as an audience. I imagine myself in that role and gauge whether it suits me. There is no harm in doing boy-next-door roles because boys-next-door will be there forever!

What are your upcoming movies?

Besides 'Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu', I am doing 'Thippara Meesam' in the direction of Asura's maker. I have also given the nod to a multi-starrer.