Vishal is happy that 'Pandem Kodi-2' has become a hit in Telugu. In this interview, he talks about his future projects, why he is eager about 'Temper' remake, and more.

How are you enjoying the success of 'Pandem Kodi-2'?

I am very happy with the way the film has been received, especially in the B and C centres of the Telugu States. The collections are very well even now.

Recently, you said that you are interested in doing 'Pandem Kodi-3'. When is it likely to happen?

N Lingusamy (director) is penning the script with an exciting premise. The gap between the first part and second part was more than 13 years. But 'Pandem Kodi-3' won't take much time.

'Detective-2' was supposed to be there. What is the progress? What's the premise of the story?

We are going to shoot it in foreign locations. The hero goes abroad to solve a case. We have grown up watching Hollywood movies. Everyone wants to make movies of Hollywoodish standards. 'Detective' was that type of a movie. Mysskin wants to make it as a six-part series. I will always be happy to work with him.

You have been doing movies continuously. Do the characters you play engage you all the time?

The characters that engage me have been few. The one I played in 'Vaadu-Veedu' did that to me. I generally don't do much homework. I act spontaneously on the sets as per the director's instructions. All my directors have been brilliant actors. They have always shown me differently.

'Abhimanuyudu-2', 'Detective-2' and 'Pandem Kodi-3': These the sequels being mooted. Why this sudden surge?

The films belong to three different genres. 'Pandem Kodi-3' is going to take time. 'Abhimanyudu-2' could happen first. It's timely and most relevant. We know the breach of privacy in the age of smartphones.

What made you go for the remake of NTR-Puri Jagannadh's 'Temper'?

The subject. And it will be made in such a way that the audience can relate to the #MeToo happenings. In times of increasing instances of sexual harassment and rapes, this film is very relevant. The kind of movies that NTR does, they make a lot of impact and stay relevant for 10-15 years.

Were you approached for any other remake before 'Temper'?

I was approached for the remakes of 'Mirchi' and 'Attarintiki Daredi'. But due to prior commitments, I couldn't do them. 'Temper' is socially relevant.

In the wake of #MeToo movement, what steps are you taking as a head of Nadigar Sangam?

We have formed a committee comprising of three representatives of the producers and three representatives from the victims' side. We are going to take some decisions that will assure not only today's actresses but also future ones. Steps for counselling, etc will also be taken. It's a crime to maintain silence when sexual abuse is happening under your watch. We have to break the conspiracy of silence. When Amala Paul once talked about harassment, she called me up and I and Karthi could take prompt action and get him arrested.

When can we expect you to do a Telugu film?

I have been trying to do a straight Telugu film for long. 'Detective-2', we are planning to make it in Telugu and Tamil. It's not easy to make a bilingual. There are always nativity issues with bilinguals and remakes. In Tamil, the audience enjoy a movie even if there are no songs. In 'Abhimanyudu', I and Samantha have a song. In the Tamil version, we had removed it. The Telugu audience loved the number.