'Ravanasura' is all set to release in theatres on April 7. Sushanth Anumolu, last seen in the feature film 'Ichata Vahanamulu Niluparadu' and the web series 'Maa Neella Tank', has got an unpredictable role in the action thriller directed by Sudheer Varma.
The actor, in this interview, says that his role is there throughout the Ravi Teja-starrer. "I am elated about having done 'Ravanasura'. It is now up to the audience to give their take. The story is once-of-its-kind on the Telugu screen," Sushanth says, adding that he wants to do characters that break established patterns.
He also takes stock of his 15-year-old career, revealing that he is choosy and goes by his gut feeling. "I don't do projects for the sake of being busy. After 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo', I received many projects from big banners and even OTT shows. Instinctively, I rejected most of them. I latched on to 'Ravanasura' and 'Bholaa Shankar' because I was excited about them," he says.
The title 'Ravanasura' alludes to Ravi Teja's character. 'Sushanth as Ram' was the first poster that was released regarding my character. Who is the film's hero is something you have to figure out by yourself. Since Ravi Teja is playing the titular role, it is assumed that he is a bad guy in the movie. Then there is the caption 'Heroes don't exist'. The trailer suggests that everyone has a grey shade. You are going to find some unexpected elements in the film. The treatment is unique, something the trailer has deliberately hidden from plain sight.
'Ravanasura' is my first full-fledged thriller that has me break my pattern. It meets my goal to do a variety of characters by rising above conventions.
I listened to the story of 'Ravanasura' with a clean slate of mind. Since it is Ravi Teja's film, I sure showed interest in listening to the narration. I felt the entire script is refreshing, more so concerning Ravi Teja's characterization. The premise and the twists sounded new. My role is full-fledged and vital. I loved the role a lot. I wanted a new dimension to be added, something writer Srikanth Vissa agreed with. He added a layer and his final narration exceeded my expectations. After listening to the changed script, Ravi Teja gave a green signal immediately. I watched the movie while dubbing for my character. I am greatly satisfied with the output.
When 'Ravanasura' happened to me, I knew it is a big platform with a big cast. And my role is also a standout one. I didn't want to forgo the opportunity at all. My scenes with Ravi Teja will excite the audience.
Producer Abhishek Nama is passionate. He has been a distributor for many years and comes with a lot of experience. It was the producer himself who ideated that I must do the role.
I have been an actor for the past 15 years. In the beginning, I picked the best from the scripts that came my way. It's not like I started with a star director. I lapped up the good opportunities that came my way. Some projects were delayed due to factors that were not under my control. There have been gaps in my career due to multiple reasons. Regardless of the gaps, I have always been motivated about my next movie.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I made up my mind to fasten the pace. But the lockdown induced inevitable delays. The past six months have been hectic for me, with shoots like 'Ravanasura'. I am doing 'Bholaa Shankar' (starring Megastar Chiranjeevi). I am caught up with CCL currently and will listen to more scripts in the coming weeks/months. I am getting good work and that's my faith!
I am happy to be sharing screen space with Megastar in 'Bholaa Shankar'. It's a rare opportunity. I will also be doing a solo-hero movie. It will go on the floors this year. I have a couple of narrations coming up.
If I have to do a film, my character and my acting must add value to the project. After 'Chi La Sow', I have become more conscious. 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' happened to me when I hadn't planned for such a big project. I got to work with an experienced star director like Trivikram. After that movie, I did get a few other projects (with supporting roles). I didn't do them. I go by my gut feeling. 'AVPL' is quite popular throughout the country due to its dubbed versions. People from other States are identifying me during the ongoing CCL only because of that film.
I was supposed to do 'Express Raja'. I travelled with Merlapaka Gandhi for six months. For some reason, the project slipped from me. I am happy for both the director and Sharwanand. I didn't reject that movie. If I get to do a film with Nagarjuna garu, I won't even ask for the script.
