'Krishnamma Kalippindi Iddarini was mentally strenous'

Sudheer Babu is carving his own place in the Telugu industry ever since he made his debut as a hero with SMS (Shiva Manasulo Sruthi).

He also acted in Ye Maaya Chesaave.

The handsome hero (who is married to Mahesh Babu's sister) has a plum Hindi film on hand, Baaghi.

In this interview, Sudheer talks about Krishnamma Kalippindi Iddarini, the Telugu remake of the Kannada hit film Charminar, directed by Chandru, which releases this Friday.

How did you get to do Krishnamma Kalippindi Iddarini?

Sridhar (the film's producer) told me about the script. He said the film was a big hit in Kannada and I should watch it.

But I preferred to hear the new script. When Chandru narrated the script, I felt it was a very different story.

It resembled Hridayam, a love story which came out in 1991. I thought the film would be fresh.

There was also scope for performance. I could prove myself as an actor.

So when did you watch the original Charminar?

I watched it after I finished the shoot of Krishnamma Kalippindi Iddarini. I felt it was the right decision.

All the artistes have performed better in the remake.

Charminar served as the reference point and all the mistakes from it were rectified in the Telugu film.

Nanditha, your co-star in the film and others have said that your performance in this film was the best.

She said you would be the surprise package in this film…

The hero is the anchor for this film's story. So since there is scope for performance, those people who have seen it may have felt like that.

Did you do any preparations for this role?

There are three different stages of life where I play a 16, 22 and 28-year-old. So, physically and performance-wise, there was variation.

When I played the 16-year-old, I had to look innocent, clean-shaven face and talk fast. There was a change in the diet also as I had to look bubbly.

While playing the college boy, I had to be aggressive while talking and for the businessman, I had to be mature.

Each of the three get-ups was very different. After every schedule we had a break so that I could undergo the physical changes.

This role must have been demanding…

Yes it was. It is an emotional film. It was strenuous mentally.

Tell us more about your role.

I play a guy called Krishna who is from a village and takes care of sheep and goats and is not interested in studies.

Someone comes into his life and inspires him to study and later he becomes the CEO of a company in the US.

How was working with Chandru like?

He is a Telugu guy who happens to have a career in the Kannada industry.

He is like Rajamouli -- he has delivered hits. He is very good.

He approaches a scene realistically. I was able to perform because of his guidance.

This film is full of intense emotions…

Exactly. The soul of the film is the emotion, which is not loud.

Our performances are also not loud. It is a nice film; it's like a song.

Why is the film titled Krishnamma Kalippindi Iddarini?

Krishnamma is a river. Nature supports a good thing. Here, for love, nature (the river) helps the two characters.

Would you rate your performance in this film as one of your best?

Definitely. People will also vouch for it.

Were you disappointed that your recent release Mosagallaku Mosagadu did not fare well?

No. It did get good collections in the first weekend.

I have grown as a hero and proved myself as an actor.

The final run may be different but the first week collection is because of the hero.

Are you happy at the way your career is shaping up?

I am happy at the way my career is shaping up. It is amazing. The film industry has become my family.

When I came in, I was a newcomer. No one knew me. Now everyone knows me. There are people helping me and recognising me as an actor.

What's happened to the film on Gopichand (the badminton champion) that you were supposed to do?

That is still in a fluid state.

What are your new projects?

I have two films – Bhale Manchi Roju (Telugu) and Baaghi (Hindi).

Bhale Manchi Roju is directed by a newcomer, Sriram, with a good technical team.

One schedule of Baaghi is done. Two more schedules are left. I trained in kalaripayattu. It was a new experience.