I am happy to be introduced as an actor with a challenging character like 'Itlu Arjuna'

King Nagarjuna is presenting the film 'Itlu Arjuna'. While Anish is making his debut as the hero, Anaswara Rajan is playing the heroine. Mahesh Uppala is making his debut as a director with this film. Director Venky Kudumula is also making his debut as a producer with this film. He is producing this film under his newly launched What Next Entertainments banner. The promotional content has already raised expectations on the film. All the songs provided by S Thaman have become chartbusters. 'Itlu Arjuna' will be released in theaters worldwide on November 13. On this occasion, hero Anish shared the features of the film at a press conference.

What impressed you when you heard the story of Itu Arjun? What made you decide to make your first film with this story?

-What I liked the most about this story is the love story of a mute. I really liked how a person who cannot express his feelings in words shows love. Also, the way the story progresses, the journey of the hero and heroine, the action, and the emotion seemed very organic. There are many interesting scenes in it. I found it very interesting how a mute person faces such situations and how he handles them.

What kind of homework did you do for this role?

-We did a workshop for about six months for this film. The director is very clear on body language, reactions, expressions. We also used some sign language. But it was understandable to everyone. We used to rehearse every scene in advance. That was very helpful in getting into character.

Big stars like NTR and Ram Charan have supported you. How much responsibility do you feel in this regard?

-It still feels like a dream to me that such big stars came and talked about our film. It is very happy to get such good support. I think the support at this level is because people liked the concept we chose and our content. I am really happy that a new actor gets such big support. At the same time, it has increased my responsibility even more. We have a lot of faith in the film. It is a film that the audience will happily enjoy in the theater. It will definitely give a good experience.

What is the action going to be like in the movie?

-We have dealt with action in a very new way in this. It has action scenes that are befitting of an underdog character. Unlike the action in mass commercial films, it is in accordance with the nature of the character. I have also dubbed to match the sounds that come naturally in the action. Dubbing for expressions like 'Hum ..ha' without words, just body movements, is also a very new experience. His is a very genuine character. The audience will feel that emotion.

When did you become interested in acting? What kind of training did you receive?

-I was interested in acting since childhood. I took acting training from Satyanand garu in Vizag. I also studied in the US for a year. I also learned about acting in other places.

You listened to stories for about a year before making your first film, right?

Yes. I listened to stories for almost a year before doing my first film. At that time, Mahesh garu brought this story. I liked it a lot. Even after the story was okayed, we did workshops and pre-production work for another year. I always had the idea of starting my journey as an actor. Luckily, I found a story with good emotions that everyone could connect with.

What were the challenges you faced in playing the role of a mute?

-It was very challenging to react in some scenes. Usually when a person is talking, we respond with dialogue. But in this role, we don't get a chance to speak. When others are talking, we have to react with our expressions. That was a bit difficult. Also, dancing without lip sync was challenging.

The release date of your first film was postponed. Were you stressed at that time?

My dream since childhood was to become an actor. After the release date of my first film was announced, I felt a bit disappointed when the film did not release on time. However, I am confident that we have made a good film. We worked enthusiastically again, confident that the audience will love it whenever it is released.

How did it feel to work with a star music director like Thaman on your first film?

-Music is the main hero of this film. Especially since it is a story about a mute, music has a lot of importance. Thaman garu has become like a brother to me in this journey. He has worked hard for the film. The songs have received a wonderful response. The background score is also impressive to everyone.

Nagarjuna said that Ram Charan and Akhil did such challenging roles only after a certain stage in their careers. How did it feel to play the role of a mute in your first film?

-I don't compare myself to such big stars. I think any story will be as it is. I feel lucky to have found such a story for my first film. Nagarjuna garu presenting our film gave us more strength. At the same time, it also increased the responsibility. That's why we worked harder. I believe the audience will also appreciate the film greatly.

What are the other characters going to be like in this?

Good actors like Brahmaji garu and Vennela Kishore garu have played key roles in this. Each character has an importance in the story. The audience will enjoy each character while watching the movie.

How did you get acquainted with Venky Kudumula?

Venky garu is familiar with my father. After Bheeshma, I used to ask him for some suggestions. Once he told me about this story. From then on, the journey of this film began.

Tell me about Anaswara Rajan?

He already has good experience. He is an excellent performer. He is very friendly. It was a pleasure working with him in this film.

Did Nagarjuna come forward to present the film only after watching it?

Yes. Nagarjuna garu saw our film. He liked the film a lot. His arrival gave us more excitement.

Who is the hero who inspires you?

I grew up watching the films of all the heroes. Many heroes including Ram Charan garu, Tarak garu, Allu Arjun garu are my inspiration. Tarak garu liked this film a lot. He reacted very positively. That made me very happy.

Your father also produced films, didn't he? How is your family support?

-My father has a strong sense of devotion. He produced two films with Nagarjuna with the intention of telling devotional stories to the audience. He encouraged me a lot when I told him that I was interested in films.

-I studied business management in London. I have a lot of support from my parents. I feel lucky to have parents who encourage me to do what I love.

How did it feel to do the action sequences in the film?

-I enjoyed the action in this film a lot. Dinesh Master has done an excellent action choreography. Unlike the action in mass commercial films, it is like the action that a common person does according to his circumstances. I did almost all the action sequences myself. I did not use any dupes. Doing action is a very new experience for me. I enjoyed it a lot. Even though the character of Arjuna in this film does not have any words, he is very smart.

What are the things you learned as an actor from your first film?

-When we want to become an actor, we watch movies on screen. But we only know how difficult it is behind the scenes when we see it firsthand. I realized during this journey how much effort it takes to make a movie and how many people work hard. Making a movie is not that easy. I learned a lot during this journey. I have gained more respect for movies.

Even though many movies are releasing this week, there seems to be a special interest among the audience for 'Itlu Arjun'. What is your reaction to this?

-I am very happy to see that the audience is interested in the film. This is even more of a joy for a debutant actor. Many people have supported me in this journey. Thank you to everyone.

What kind of stories do you want to do in the future?

Whatever film I make, my wish is that the audience enjoys it and goes home with good emotions. I want to make stories that have such good emotions.

In which genre are you going to make a film next?

I haven't decided on a genre yet. I've heard two or three stories. I like them a lot and want to move forward with a story that suits me.

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The Hans India