Sai Dharam Tej is gung-ho about 'Virupaksha', which hits the cinemas on April 21.
The actor used the occasion to promote awareness about the helmet. "It has saved my life. It's more than a life partner. It is not to be joked about. Its place is next only to my mother in my life. Bike-riding shouldn't be taken lightly," Sai Tej said.
'Virupaksha' is set from 1989 to 1991 in a village where mysterious incidents have been taking place. There are elements like black magic, and mystery more than horror. The film is a whodunit when the screenplay is about exploring who is behind the black magic-induced tragedies in the village.
Samyukta, who plays a village belle, is truly a golden leg. She is also a talented actor who knows what to give to a role. Her thinking is also lofty.
As an actor, I have challenged myself while doing 'Virupaksha'. Since it is set in a bygone era, I had to imbibe the body language and dressing sense of those days. My character's behaviour is authentic that way.
Producer BVSN Prasad and presenter Bapineedu are well-known to me. I have known them since before I entered the film industry. They have ensured rich production values.
I don't see my character in 'Virupaksha' as a larger-than-life one. I liked the character and gave it my all. I have never been image-conscious while doing the film.
It was in 2019 that debutant director Karthik Dandu gave me his first narration. His narration was so good that he is next only to Harish Shankar, Anil Ravipudi and Maruthi in terms of narration. My confidence in him grew.
When workshops were held, my health was not in good shape. Despite that, my producers fully supported me.
Sukumar Writings has also produced the movie. The banner's movies have mostly been love stories. You can expect a love story as an undercurrent in 'Virupaksha' as well. This is an atypical genre. Sukumar garu's screenplay is amazing for the movie.
We are releasing the movie in Telugu first. They say we have to win in our home turn before meeting other territories. 'Virupaksha' will be released in other languages after the Telugu release.
Music director Ajaneesh Loknath was chosen after we watched 'Vikrant Rona'. 'Virupaksha' is a kind of film with minimal songs. It's in the Sherlock Holmes space. Every 15 minutes, you are going to see a new character. We didn't want to bore the audience with songs.
When I met with the terrible accident in 2021, Chiranjeevi garu sent me a message. It was nothing but what Sirivennela garu wrote in a song: 'Yeppudu oppukovaddu raa otami..'. I feel challenges have to be faced for good.
For any actor, every film is like a first movie. I have to keep improving film after film so that I can rise above myself.
As I age, my sense of responsibility towards cinema has become stronger. Happiness is not just about smiling. It's about spreading cheer and laughter. Joy over success or dejection over failure is a state of mind. Success is an addiction. We have to work hard towards satisfying the audience.
'RRR' has truly made the fame of Telugu cinema global. The world is looking at our cinema. Our stature has gone up.
