Srikanth has played the antagonist in 'Akhanda', which will be released in theatres on December 2. In this interview, the senior actor talks about his character in the mass entertainer, working with the Balakrishna-Boyapati duo, doing Ram Charan's movie with director Shankar, his son Roshan's first hit, and more.
I started out as an onscreen villain before becoming a lead actor. In Boyapati Srinu's 'Sarrainodu', I played a soft role. When the director approached me for 'Akhanda' saying that Balakrishna is the hero, I was a bit scared after listening to the script. A Balakrishna villain has to be very powerful. It's not easy to pull off heavy dialogues when you are in his movie. I had my doubts about doing justice to the character. I couldn't have afforded to go wrong as a performer.
Since people are seeing a new Srikanth in 'Akhanda', I have been receiving phone calls from friends and fans ever since the trailer was released. This is my second film with Balayya Babu, the first one being 'Sri Rama Rajyam'. Balayya's dialogue delivery is always packed with power. He wanted the antagonist to be powerful so that his character gets elevated.
So much effort went into designing my get-up. The costumes are unique. The villain in 'Akhanda' is subtle. He raises the decibel levels only in a few moments. Expectations from the movie are way high.
The sentimental scenes in 'Akhanda' will stand out. The action scenes will give a high. An action sequence was shot amid mines and difficult terrain for about ten days. It was not easy at all.
Balayya Babu advised me not to accept any and every negative role after 'Akhanda'. He asked me to set a high standard. I am waiting for the audience's response eagerly. After all, the family audience have liked me for many years. It has to be seen how they will receive me in a totally negative role.
I am doing Ram Charan's movie with director Shankar. I am playing a full-fledged role in a Kannada movie starring Puneeth Rajkumar. I am picking characters and projects with care these days. I have played supporting characters, male leads, and now an antagonist in recent years.
Theatres are always the best. A film like 'Akhanda', especially, has to be watched in a theatre.
My son (Roshan) has become a male lead just recently. He is charting his own path. 'Pelli SandaD' has done well and I am relieved now. I am happy. It was his debut movie and it had to become a hit.
