Sumanth will be seen in the theological thriller 'Subrahmanyapuram', which releases on December 7. In this interview, he talks about the film, why he liked the script, working with Balakrishna on 'NTR' and more.

What are your calculations before the release of 'Subrahmanyapuram'?

When I listened to the story of 'Malli Raava', I immediately felt I should do it. I never think about commercial calculations. I thought I will be offered love stories after the success of that movie. Instead, I got thriller stories.

I usually am not fond of thrillers. When I started listening to the script of 'Subrahmanyapuram', I assumed that the pace will get slackened towards the middle. But I was impressed with the entire narration. We went about doing the movie without making major changes. In some cases, I have advised some changes to the script of my movies in the past.

How was it working wtih debutant Sanotsh Jagarlapudi?

Once Santosh was done with the narration, I was sure of the strength of the story. But I had my doubts regarding his technical competence. He had done many short films in the past. Some of them even won awards. And they are all thrillers. After I watched them, I became confident in him. Producer Sudhakar Reddy garu never compromised on making values.

What's your character like in the movie? Are you like him in real life?

The name of my character is Karthik. He is an atheist and a rationalist. In real life, I am a believer in God. I go to temples, churches and mosques. I don't do prayers but I do fold my hands in reverence. In 'Subrahmanyapuram', I am playing a research scholar learning about antiques and ancient temples.

Does the film possess graphics?

Graphics are there as per the demand of the story. That said, the film is not VFX-heavy.

Why did you rope in Rana Daggubati as the narrator?

We have used unadulterated Telugu everywhere in the movie. Keeping nativity factor in mind, we approached Rana Daggubati to narrate the story. Even though he was busy with the shooting of 'Houseful-4', Rana accepted the voice-over part because he liked the story.

Do you enjoy mass-masala bits in movies? You have told IndiaGlitz that Mahesh Babu and NTR are your favourites among the current lot.

I never crave introduction songs, fights and slow motion build-up shots. But I like to watch them when Mahesh Babu and Tarak do such things. At times, I even whistle.

Is your role in 'NTR' a full-fledged one? How did you approach the role of ANR in the biopic?

Krish Jagarlamudi is one of my favourite directors. I have known him for many years. When he started doing 'NTR', I didn't know that ANR garu's character will be there in the biopic. When Krish approached me for the role, I felt honoured to do the role. I have done a full-fledged character in the movie. I will be seen in both the parts.

I feel honoured to have got to work with Balakrishna garu. I never bothered myself with doubts as to whether I can act like Thatha garu. I took it up as a responsibility. I didn't take any pressure. I watched his movies and interviews. There is a small line of difference between imitation and acting. I am on that line.

How was it working with Balakrishna?

Balakrishna garu is like an Encylopedia. He knows the dialogues of NTR garu by heart. I feel lucky to have got to work with him.

You were brought up by ANR. It must be a very special experience to enact his role in the biopic. Isn't it?

My family members say that I look like Thatha garu. But I look like my mother more. And my mother looks like Thatha garu. He adopted me and brought me up. When I would put the make-up on and look myself into the mirror, I would think of myself as ANR. I enjoyed watching Chaitanya in 'Mahanati'.

When is 'Idam Jagath' going to release? What's your next movie?

'Idam Jagath' is readying up for a grand release. My next film will be with a new director. It will be a full-fledged family drama. It will have brother-sister sentiment.