'Varudu Kaavalenu' is all set to hit the screens on October 29. In this interview, Naga Shaurya says that the film is unique in how it projects the thinking of unmarried youngsters who have crossed 30 years of age. He says that debutante director Lakshmi Sowjanya has treated a 15-minute flashback in a moving manner. The young actor also talks about woring with Sithara Entertainments' Naga Vamsi, co-star Ritu Varma, character artist Nadiya, and his future projects and their progress.

Excerpts

Before this film, I worked with another female director, Nandini Reddy garu ('Oh! Baby'). Lakshmi Sowjanya akka is patient and knows how to manage people. I remember that, incidentally, she narrated the story of 'Varudu Kaavalenu' on the day my hit film 'Chalo' hit the screens in February 2018. Since then, it has been a beautiful journey.

I have watched the final cut and I can say that 'Varudu Kaavalenu' is going to be a blockbuster. When I am in doubt, I can't fake confidence. Those who know me know it.

What makes this film relatable is that it shows the mindset of the people around those who are unmarried even after 30. Besides a moving flashback that deepens the story, our film has got excellent characters and scenes. It was great working with Ritu Varma, who is not only beautiful but also a wonderful performer. Nadiya garu has played her mother. She is someone who has previously worked with Pawan Kalyan and was very effective in 'Attarintiki Daredi'. Unlike in that film, she has a semi-comedic role in 'Varudu Kaavalenu'. She has transformed herself superbly for the role.

The film has a mature take on relationships. Personally speaking, I am not judgemental about the nature of relationships. Some people want to live-in, others want love marriage. It's up to them.

A lot of people are asking me when I will get married. I don't know. It can happen next year or next to next year or even later. When it happens, you will know.

'Aswathama' garnered the highest openings in my career. But since it had some flaws, it didn't reach my expectations in terms of the full run. Despite the fact that I had had a flop in the shape of 'Narthanasala', 'Aswathama' opened up big-time.

During the pandemic, Tollywood is performing the best. The Telugu audience are watching good movies, given that they have always encouraged both commercial films as well as family dramas.

It was a great experience teaming up with Suryadevara Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainments. He and China Babu garu have ensured rich production values. They also gave me the opportunity to dance for the tunes composed by Thaman and Vishal Chandrasekhar.

I am the same whether a film is a hit or a flop. Things are not in our hands. I don't go by the advice of my parents or friends in choosing movies. I give my 100% and leave it to the audience.

I have received a few OTT offers during the pandemic. I said no to them because I want to do big-screen movies. OTT culture is good but I am not ready for it. I want to see myself on 70mm screens, not on a TV or mobile phone.

Besides my film, 'Romantic', too, is hitting the screens this Friday. Our films belong to two different genres. Moreover, we have hundreds of screens and the audience will be watching both movies if they are good.

Coming to my upcoming movies, 'Lakshya' will release in November. We have plans to release my home banner's film with director Anish Krishna in February, 2022. As for 'Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi', it has been a marathon project that will feature me in eight different avatars. 'Police Vaari Heccharika' is in limbo because of the untimely demise of producer Mahesh Koneru.