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'Routine Love Story is my first solo film'
Sundeep Kishan made heads turn with his brillaint performance in Telugu film Prasthanam. Snehageetham followed. Sundeep then charted Hindi territory with Shor in the City.
Routine Love Story (RLS), directed by Praveen Sattaru (LBW fame), is his first solo hero film releasing on November 23.
Sundeep tells Radhika Rajamani how excited he is.
What made you sign Routine Love Story?
I was missing in the Telugu circuit as I was busy with my Hindi film Shor In The City.
The films I've done so far were multiple actor films. I wanted to do a solo hero film to see if I can carry the film on my shoulders and test myself market wise. I picked up my previous films to showcase my acting skills. RLS is the first film I picked up for the audience in me as I laughed thoroughly in the narration by Praveen.
'I'm there in every frame of the film'
What is the film about?
Eighty percent of the film is fun and 20 percent is emotional. For me, love needs to be fun and I don't connect to emotions. The film is a roller-coaster ride. The scenes may be serious but for the audience, they will be funny. It's situational comedy.
What is your role about?
It's a role everyone can relate to. The character is called Sandeep and his nickname is Sanju (that's my real name and nickname too). It's close to my real personality.
I didn't think about the first solo hero film till the promotion and publicity. I see my contribution and will I be the reason for the people to sit through and watch? It's all about me -- I'm there in every frame.
How was it working with Regina?
She's a super fun girl. We get along with each other like a house on fire. I played pranks on her and she's like my guy buddy. Regina is a fantastic actress, and quite natural. The role is close to real life and therefore it is realistic in this commercialised love story.
'I took the risk of doing my own stunts'
Was Praveen easy to work with as a director?
He's very clear. One can see there was a part of himself when he was writing the script. He has a sense of satire and energy. I tried to take that and play myself with a new perception.
You were almost washed away in the rapids while shooting in Rishikesh for the film. Can you recount that experience?
I tried my best to the stunts myself and decided to take the risk. Regina and I did the stunt once. But I did it the second time. When you come out of it, you feel it's worth all the trouble and it gave me a new perspective. I freaked out.
As I was being washed away, I was thinking of how to get out. I was reminded of Jackie Chan and his films. Even at that time, movies were on my mind! I recalled his stunts. For about 11 minutes, I was in freezing cold water.
Actually the first time I did the stunt, the lifeguards were in place. After the first time, they had to go back to the same place. The light was fading and we had to do the stunt fast. Then, I was washed away. One stuntman was left who made it to save me. But these were degree four rapids and it was a roller coaster.
You must have been frozen to the bone.
Yes I was. I am a person who can't stand cold as I am born and brought up in Chennai and here I was in this freezing cold water. Yet, I was looking at the brighter side of how the stunt came out.
'I will always be selective about my films'
You seem excited about this release.
I am excited. I've been a part of this film at every stage putting it together. After the director, I feel it's my baby since it's my solo film. It means a lot to me. I'm playing a lover boy for the first time, solo hero for the first time and it's my first release in two years. So it's exciting. I want to wait to see the audience reaction for all the efforts one has put in.
Are you nervous?
No. I'm confident and waiting for release. I'm prepared for anything.
You are promoting the film in different ways by going on tours prior to release...
This is a good film. It has to be taken to the audience. I'm an upcoming actor, so I need to take it out and let people know and give them reasons to watch the film. We've gone to Kurnool, Cuddapah and Tirupati and will be covering Vizag, Bhimavaram and Kakinada shortly. Post-release we will be going to Vijayawada and Guntur.
Are you still selective about the films you choose?
I will always be. I'm trying to build credibility. So my focus is to build a career on credibility. I need to believe in a film before I sign it.