Producer Lagadapati Sridhar is confident that 'Virgin Story', which will hit the screens on February 18, is going to change the audience's thinking about youngsters' romantic urges. The rom-com stars his son Vikram Sahidev as the debutant actor. Helmed by Pradip B Atluri, the film has music by Achu Rajamani.

Highlights of the interview:

Not at all. It talks about the need to be empathetic towards the feelings of teens and youngsters. The film's target audiences are not just fun-loving youngsters but also their parents, who need to know a new perspective. Vikram has played a career-oriented boy who feels responsible. He has his feet on the ground.

When the script came my way, it was well-rounded already. I greenlit the project in 2 minutes flat. 'Virgin Story' is unique because there is freshness in the script and there is freshness in the actors. I didn't pick Vikram because he is my son. He totally suits the character. My son, too, liked the story. He wants to determine his own path. This is also the age when he should do a subject of this sort. My banner will decide on what to do next depending on how the audience receive this film.

'Kothaga Rekkalochena' was the working title. We changed the title to 'Virgin Story' and used the phrase as a caption. The film talks about how teens and youngsters think about relationships. They are good at studies but they have their share of confusion about relationships. 'Virgin Story' is meant for the 15-25 age group. Romance shouldn't lead to bitter feelings. It should be healthy and it shouldn't get out of control. That's what our film says.

We are living in busy times when we don't get to interact much with our own children. After all, I have two sons at home. 'Virgin Story' is about what they think and how they should be handled. Our film is for the family audience who are young at their heart. Most of the kids are clear-headed about studies but ambiguous about relationships. Romance has become a separate subject! I have seen my sons maintain secrecy about their personal lives from me. These days, studies are not depressing youngsters. Failed relationships are causing them trouble.

As a producer, since 'Style' and beyond, I have mostly produced family entertainers and commercial movies. 'Virgin Story' has been made in the context of the OTT era. I have made 10 movies so far. None of them is like 'Virgin Story' in terms of subject. Post-marital films have dealt with similar tropes for ages.

This was not supposed to be an OTT film. 'Virgin Story' has been made to cater to youngsters who are kicked about watching rom-coms and entertainers in theatres. People want larger-than-life entertainment.

The film is about platonic, romantic relationships. It's not about sexual relationships. Touch-and-go relationships are welcome. Abusive or out-of-control relationships are definitely bad. Let boys and girls have fun. Let them explore who is right for them.

The message in the film is inherent. 'Virgin Story' creates awareness and offers entertainment. How do you discover the purity of love? Is there a trick for that? I hope 'Virgin Story' gives the answer. There is an interesting answer in the climax. If you understand it, you will definitely appreciate the film.

CBFC hasn't objected to anything. They are surprised that 'Virgin Story' is the title. The actual story of the film is reflected by the caption 'Kothaga Rekkalochena'. The genre is about moments more than dramatic scenes.

People come to me with a single-line idea or story. I like to listen to bound scripts so that I can take a call.