Dulquer Salmaan is betting big on 'Sita Ramam', which as per him is not in the routine mould. The August 5th release, helmed by Hanu Raghavapudi, is by far the first full-fledged love story to come from Vyjayanthi Movies. 

In a freewheeling chat, the versatile actor talks about the film. 

You have been busy with the promotions of the movie, criss-crossing various cities in the Telugu States. Tell us about your experience.

It has been great. For some reason, I couldn't immerse myself in the experience of participating in Mahanati's success tours. The response I have been seeing for 'Sita Ramam', therefore, is all the more special. This was not expected. I am thankful for all the love.

There have been many love stories, some of which are period dramas. What cuts 'Sita Ramam' apart from the rest?

I would say that this is an original story. It's a classic. And it's a rare love story. You haven't seen a story like this before. The screenplay is gripping and unpredictable. What you are going to see in the movie far exceeds the glimpses you have seen in the trailer.

You have stated that you won't be doing love stories anymore. Why so?

I am getting older year after year. I want to do consummate stories that are evolved. They should be fresh and original. After 'Sita Ramam', I don't want to do a love story in the near term. 

What is your favourite song from 'Sita Ramam'?

It is 'Kaanunna Kalyanam'. Vishal Chandrasekhar's music is outstanding. When I listened to the story, I knew the music would be marvellous. Every song is a visual wonder. The BGM is as great as the music for the songs.

Going by the teaser and trailer, you seem like a gentle soldier who is not given to stereotypical portrayal. Isn't it?

Lieutenant Ram, my character, is an orphan. He doesn't hate anybody. He is a happy and positive-minded soul. He is also patriotic when it comes to his country. Not just Ram, Sita Mahalakshmi, too, is a well-etched character. When you read a classic novel, you imagine the heroine to be this or that way. Sita is like that. Mrunal Thakur has given her best shot playing it. Rashmika Mandanna, too, has got a rare character. She is an energetic performer. 'Sita Ramam' is also enriched by performers from different languages, especially Telugu, Tamil (Gautham Menon), and Bengali (Jisshu Sengupta).

How was it to travel with Vyjayanthi Movies for the second time?

Ashwini Dutt and Swapna are like my family. Ashwini Dutt garu is a nice human being who is my personal favourite. His love and affection are touching. He reserves the best for me.

You have done 35 movies in the last 10 years in different languages. How has it been possible?

To be honest, the number is not huge. My contemporaries are doing 12 films a year in Mollywood. My father used to do 30 movies in a year sometimes.

Are you drawn toward the trend of pan-Indian movies?

I am tired of listening to the term 'pan-Indian' again and again. Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Shah Rukh Khan have done movies for all Indian audiences in the past. It is not new. A film should be called just a film.

What would you have been if not an actor?

I did my MBA. Perhaps, I would have been an investor.