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'My role in A Film by Aravind 2 was challening'

Kamal Kamaraju, a qualified architect, entered the acting arena with Chatrapati, and later did Godavari directed by Sekhar Kammula. Subsequently he worked in two films directed by Anish Kuruvilla, Confessions of a Filmmaker, and Avakkai Biryani. Later, he did Kalavaramaye Madilo with Satish K and Virodhi with National award-winning filmmaker Neelekantha.

Now Kamal is ready with A Film by Aravind 2 which is scheduled to release on March 29.

In this tete-a-tete, Kamal reveals what he can about A Film by Aravind 2.

Why are you so selective about your films? Your last film Virodhi released in 2011.

Everyone is selective. The genres some choose are easy but the genres I choose are difficult because they are not often made in Telugu.

I make sure that the director has passion or vision to say something. For me, every film is a portfolio. I'm an architect.

It's not about being offbeat. Films should be interesting. Some films of mine didn't run. I learnt from that.

Films should have something to hold the audience. I ask the director why he is making the film.

'Sekhar Suri was the main reason of sigining this film'

What made you sign A Film by Aravind 2?

I interacted with Sekhar Suri briefly when I was an assistant to art director Ravindra for a film that didn't happen. However, I realised he's very special. I was blown over by the fact that Film by Aravind was exactly what he said it would be. So when this thriller AFBA 2 came, I jumped at it. The vision was intact. In fact he has done more than what he told me.

This film is said to be a sequel. Is it really a sequel or a stand-alone film?

The film can be called Part 2. While the essence of Part 1 is there, the story is different. If the first part is a suspense thriller, the second part is an action thriller.

'The film demanded macho and stylish image of a hero'

What's your role all about and what were the preparations you did for it?

The role was challenging. I have played an auto driver, musician and Naxalite before. Here, I have to show attitude and flirt with girls.

It was tough. I had to prepare in the mind. I had to take references of people and then incorporate that in my acting. The film also demanded a certain look – a macho, stylish image of a hero. I had to be in the maintenance mode. I worked out every day but I had to pump up before every shot.

You seem to have shot in some jungles...

The story starts in Goa and ends in the Dandeli forest and is shot in Goa and Dandeli forests. It's a technically brilliant film.

'The film will keep the people on the edge of their seats'

Since you said the film is an action thriller, did you do any extraordinary stunts?

I didn't do anything extraordinary but others did. They were put at risk. My co-star Avasarala Srinivas had to jump into a river that had crocodiles! He almost drowned before he was saved by the divers. Others saved the diver from drowning!

So, one can expect lots of thrills?

Yes, it will keep people on the edge of their seats and make them wonder how the film is made as it is technically so brilliant.

Avasarala Srinivas, one of your co-stars, is also a highly educated actor, like you. How well did you work together?

It's very interesting. He's the kind of actor who works on the same principle but acting comes naturally to him. I prepare more.

I watch him perform and I'm amazed. It's a learning experience. While he was natural, the character I played was unlike me. So I had to prepare

'Films like this come very rarely'

There are quite a few heroines in the film...

Madhavi Latha and Adonika are the main heroines. Madhavi has a subdued and more emotional role, while Adonika plays a heroine who has to look hot. The third heroine, Srilekha, plays a bombshell.

What would you like to say about Shekar Suri?

I'm aware of his technical brilliance. As an actor, I'm inspired by the mood, the lighting and sound he creates. That helps us. We got to experience his understanding of the technicalities.

Why did you take up the distribution rights of the film for Vizag?

The film is special. Films like this come rarely. You need a little more to promote it and give a helping hand.

I don't look at it as a business; I'm more emotionally attached to it. I am doing additional promotions and some special events too in Vizag.