Mega Prince Varun Tej is venturing into new territories with his forthcoming film Operation Valentine, directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, marking his foray into Bollywood and his inaugural pan-India endeavor. The much-anticipated film is scheduled for a grand release on March 1, 2024.

In Operation Valentine, Varun Tej shares the screen with Manushi Chillar as the female lead, making it his first film post-marriage to his real-life valentine, Lavanya Tripathi. In a candid conversation with reporters, Varun Tej opened up about both his real-life relationship with Lavanya Tripathi and his reel-life project, Operation Valentine.

Excited about his forthcoming Hindi/Telugu film, Varun Tej discussed a range of professional and personal matters.

What kind of films do you enjoy doing the most?

Action comes naturally to me. I grew up watching action films. While I'm not a big fan of romantic dramas, I was pleasantly surprised by the reception to Tholi Prema. As an actor, it's important to explore different genres.

Operation Valentine marks your first Hindi film. How comfortable were you in the language?

I dubbed for the trailer and teaser after taking classes to master the typical Hindi spoken by Air Force personnel. Once I memorized my dialogues, I felt comfortable, although shooting in both Hindi and Telugu simultaneously presented its challenges.

Did any of your dialogues get mixed up?

I memorized my Hindi lines, but sometimes while shooting Telugu scenes, I inadvertently mouthed my Hindi lines (laughs). My signature line in Hindi is Jo hoga dekha jayega.

The recently released Fighter irked some IAF officials. What precautions have you taken?

We collaborated closely with the IAF, accommodating their requests in the script to accurately depict their operations. The IAF maintains a low profile, preferring to follow instructions rather than actively promote themselves. Our director was meticulous about portraying their operations authentically to avoid any disappointment.

What insights did you gain about the emotional bond between IAF personnel and their families?

The IAF personnel share a strong sense of camaraderie, viewing themselves as children of Mother India. They understand the importance of their missions and the need to safeguard secrets. This brotherhood extends to caring for each other's families, as we observed during our shoot in Gwalior.

Your profession is quite different, filled with glamour. How do you view it?

A: I have immense respect for my profession, considering it a family legacy that has sustained us. While I've grown up in the world of glamour, I recognize the responsibility it entails.

What was your reaction when you watched Lavanya's first movie?

Lavanya's on-screen beauty captivated me from the start. Although our film Mister didn't fare well commercially, we found love amidst it all.

Do you think Lavanya can cope well with such a huge family?

Lavanya possesses the ability to connect with people effortlessly, unlike me. I'm confident she can navigate our large family with ease; she holds a special place in my heart.