VK Naresh has played an important role in 'Sreekaram', which will hit the screens on March 11. In this interview, the actor talks about the film, working with Sharwanand, why he thinks Tollywood is going through a very good phase and more.

Excerpts:

Golden phase for Tollywood

The post-covid era has turned out to be a golden phase for the Telugu film industry. Collections of the new releases this year have crossed Rs 300 crore. Right now, 80 movies are on the floors. The success rate of movies is amazing. New and young directors are flooding the film industry with novel ideas. There is a paradigm shift in the audience's tastes. I am proud to be part of Tollywood during a phase like this. Last year, during the lockdown, good movies like 'Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya' were out on OTT.

Have completed a dozen films

I have worked on 12 films in the last four months. I have got an amazing character in 'Sreekaram'. I am getting to play a range of characters. I am playing a negative character in one of my upcoming movies. I have always admired SV Ranga Rao garu.

Audience want emotional films

'Sreekaram' is coming at a time when the perspective of the audience has changed. Besides entertainment, they are expecting new backdrops and emotions. I am a farmer myself. 'Sreekaram' blends entertainment with an agri backdrop. Sharwanand, Rao Ramesh and Priyanka Arul Mohan have come up with superb performances.

Kudos to producers!

I appreciate 14 Reels Plus for bringing the right cast together. Ram Achanta garu and Gopi Achanta garu are dedicated producers. I hope this one gets not just awards but also rewards. It's close to reality and has got relatable emotions.

Agriculture set for 'Sreekaram'

I have acted in more than 250 movies. A farming set was brought up thrice due to the pandemic on an expanse of 20 acres. Educated people and NRIs are getting interested in agriculture. 'Sreekaram' is a wonderful film that talks about it.

I appreciate Sharwanand for accepting a film like this one. Sai Madhav Burra's dialogues are a plus. Mickey J Meyer's music is another asset.

A makeover for 'Sreekaram'

With a range of characters, I have become confident over the years. This film has offered me a makeover. I will be seen in a new avatar, besides playing a character that carries the emotion of the film forward. I have used the Chittoor slang.

A talented debutant director

Director Kishor B must be appreciated for trying a risky project for his first movie. This is also a musical hit, with the songs getting shaking the YouTube space. I believe that this film is going to make a name for itself on the national stage as well.

A contemporary film

'Sreekaram' deals with a contemporary subject. Many of the directors I have been working with are very young directors. They tell me they are writing characters keeping me in mind. I feel very proud.

No place for forced comedy

Just as 'Rangasthalam' was all about emotions and not comedy, 'Sreekaram', too, is in a similar space. It's coming at a time when migration from villages to urban areas is on the rise. My film has something to do with migration in the film. Millions of people are migrants in the country.