'Konda Polam' will be released in theatres on October 8. In this interview, actor Vaisshnav Tej talks about the movie, working with director Krish Jagarlamudi, his character, what drew him to the project and more.
The backdrop and the premise of the movie impressed me thoroughly. 'Konda Polam' has got a fantastical element in the form of a threat from a tiger. When Krish Jagarlamudi garu called me up for the project, I thought it was a casual call. I happened to meet him once when I was a child.
'Konda Polam' is commercial in its own way. At the same time, it has a strong story and message. 'Rangasthalam' has changed the audience's perspectives. So, it's good that a film like this has been made in the changing environment.
'Konda Polam' needed me to be non-glamorous. It has a particular backdrop and I needed to look in a particular way. I have to look the part. My third film is going to be an out-and-out commercial love story.
It was not easy to shoot for the film at the height of the pandemic. We had to keep wearing face masks and the crew members were wearing PPE kits. Us actors would carry the shooting equipment in our hands into the forest.
I have played Ravindra Yadav, who wants to become an IAS officer. He comes from a particular background and it was challenging to play the role. I had to adapt myself to a specific slang. 'Uppena' didn't need me to work that hard on getting the language right. Working with experienced artists also helped me. I feel blessed to have worked with the team. Kota Srinivas Rao garu has acted at this old age and he was always alert, wearing a mask. He was jolly with us all. He remembers the lines easily.
When I see big-ticket movies starring big stars like Prabhas and Mahesh Babu as well as my family members, I am attracted to being in their shoes. The attraction for commercial movies is always there.
First Frame Entertainments is a superb production house. It was nice working with producers Y Rajeev Reddy garu and J Sai Babu garu. I am fortunate to have got to work with MM Keeravani garu. When I interact with him, it feels like interacting with his son and my acquaintance Kaala Bhairava.
I have called on Pawan Kalyan garu and his blessings are always there with me.
