'Most directors approach me with love stories'

Varun Sandesh made his debut in Sekhar Kammula’s Happy Days. Since then, he has made 17 films in about seven years.

The cute Chandu of Happy Days is now 25 and ready with yet another release Nuvvala Nennila, which hits theatres today, August 8.

In this exclusive interview, Varun talks about Nuvvala Nennila and his journey so far.

Nuvvala Nennila is yet another love story. You have acted mostly in such movies. Why?

Most directors approach me with love stories. They want me to do that.

Don’t you get bored of doing such films?

I have done other films. I did Kurradu (remake of the Tamil film Polladavan) in the beginning and recently I did D for Dopidi which was experimental.

If I connect to the story, I go ahead and do it. 

What made you sign Nuvvala Nennila?

I signed Nuvvala Nennila because of the characterisation. Priyatama Neevachata Kushalama was one of my favourite films but it went unnoticed.

During the shooting of Priyatama Neevachata Kushalama, director Trinadha Rao approached me. I was ready to do another film with him.

I heard the story and I liked it, and the characterisation of the hero and heroine.

In a love story, photography and a good cinematographer are important and we got Gnanasekharan on board. Gnanasekharan is also a painter. This is his first love story. It will be poetic.

You play an NRI in the film.

The language part was okay. People may think it was easy to play the role. I had to be subtle. It was an intense character which I haven’t played before.

In fact the director used to check me many times when I would suddenly go back to the energetic character. He would tell me I was going back to my old characters which he didn’t want.

In fact, even while dubbing, he wanted bass in my voice. So if he felt I had not got it right, he would ask me to do it again. I did a lot of homework for this film. The NRI accent was not a problem.

What was it like acting with an experienced actress like Poorna?

It was great. She is a superb actress. My chemistry with Poorna is good according to those who have seen the film.

When an actress is experienced, you can react better to her acting. It was comfortable working with her.

What was it like working with director Trinadha Rao for a second time?

I am ready to work with him again. We are on the same wavelength and are in sync with each other.

What do you think will work for Nuvvala Nennila?

The songs, photography, chemistry and characterisation.  

I have maintained my character graph. It is a love story without vulgarity.

The comedy is not slapstick but situational.

It is a nice romantic film - poetic and pleasant. It is a classy film and I am hoping that audiences will like it.

You have been in the industry for seven years. How has the journey been?

Nuvvala Nennila will be my 17th release. It has been fantastic. I love the journey.

I don’t regret anything. Success and failure are part of it. One works on the failure and learns.

I am the competition for myself.

What films are you working on now?

I am doing Paddanandi Premalo Mari with Vithika (who acted in Prema Ishq Kaadhal). It is directed by Mahesh Upputuri.

Another film I will be doing is Lava Kusa directed by debutant Shiva, an associate of Maruthi. For the first time I will be playing two characters - a cab driver and a villager. The heroines are Ruchi Tripathi and Richa Panai.