Santosh Sobhan feels that 'Anni Manchi Sakunamule' ('AMS' from now) is a one-of-its-kind movie for him. "I have had failures. But 'AMS' will go down as my biggest film so far. It has to be watched on the big screen," the 'Ek Mini Katha' actor says.
The lead actor says that the final 15 minutes of the film left him with a heavy heart as well as a smile even though he watched it without a background score. He calls the film a family comedy that is also an engaging drama. "The script plays to the strengths of director Nandini Reddy garu's sensibilities. Emotion is the film's biggest strength," she adds.
"It's an absolute honour to have got to work with Vyjayanthi Network's Swapna Cinema. It's an emotional experience to work with producers Swapna Dutt akka and Priyanka Dutt akka," the actor says.
It was producer Priyanka Dutt who gave me my first advance in the form of a cheque in 2018. Five years later, my first film with her is coming out in theatres. 'AMS' is the right project for which I am so grateful.
I auditioned for the role and was screen-tested. I thank the director and my producers for believing in my potential. Honestly, doing a film with Nandini garu and Swapna akka itself is a high. And the film shaping up so well is like a bonus.
The audience have mostly watched me in light-veined characters so far. 'AMS' presented me with an opportunity to explore a new side of my acting. Director Nandini garu's meter is my strength. I am saying it with utmost humility, not overconfidence. What kind of comedy suits me, and what meter of performance suits me is something 'AMS' understood and explored. I hope 'AMS' will go down as my strongest-ever performance.
Barring Vennela Kishore bhayya, I have worked with others for the first time, thanks to this movie. I and Sowkar Janaki garu call each other 'Darling'. I feel fortunate that she lets me call with the endearing term. She is like a friend. She is such a treasure trove of Indian cinema. Vasuki akka will make you want such a sister in real life. She will be seen as my onscreen sister in the film. After 'Toli Prema', she played a lovely role (after 23 years). There are fun as well as emotional scenes between her and me.
When I watched 'Ala Modalaindi' (2011), I felt it was a bona fide rom-com. It was a proper rom-com that broke the conventions. It was a legit rom-com like 'Kushi'. Since then, it was my dream to work with Nandini Reddy garu. There is a lot of magic in 'AMS'. This is a film where four generations of actors have come together. Legends like Rajendra Prasad garu are part of the cast. Those who debuted just last year have also done the film!
Malvika Nair is a fantastic performer. I am envious of her. She has got expressive eyes. She emotes so well through her eyes. I want to learn the art! My chemistry with her character in 'AMS' is an evolving one. It rarely happens in movies.
It's not a struggle to give auditions time and again. You are doing it to prove yourself. There was a time when I used to give multiple auditions.
I am aware that people think that I am seen too often in films these days. From now, I will plan better. I am not denying that I have not spaced out my releases well.
I have a film lined up with UV Creations.
