Love cinema and it loves you back

He is well known in Tollywood for two reasons – his curiously charming personality and the exemplary performance on screen. Right from his debut with Ashta Chamma, Srinivas Avasarala had come a long way, showcasing some remarkable rendition in films with substance. There is no denying that Srinivas Avasarala is one actor who chooses content over the star factor.

Now, the multi-talented Avasarala is set to make his debut as a director with the film, Oohalu Gusagusalaade. Srinivas talks to The Hans India about his passion for acting, movies and his long standing ardor with screen writing.

You have made a tremendous impact as an actor. Tell us about your next level entry as a writer and a director.

I have always wanted to direct a film. According to me, writing for screen is not very different from directing. I’m more of a story teller. If you write well, the same gets directed well on screen. Of course the screenwriting experience from my days in United States has helped me better the art of storytelling.

Tell us about the story behind Oohalu Gusagusalaade. The title sounds catchy and interesting.

Oohalu Gusagusalaade is not exactly a complete romantic comedy. Neither is the film a full length comedy. I would say that it is a fine balance between romance and humor. The film brings to the audience a fresh breath of humorous love story.

You have chosen fresh faces for the film. Any specific reason for the new cast?

My story required newcomers. The choice of casting was totally up to me and I resorted for new blood with untapped skills. We could have gone ahead and casted the existing actors but that would leave the audience with certain preexisting images and assumptions in their minds. I did not want that to happen with a film like Oohalu Gusagusalaade.

You also happen to play an important role in the film. Tell us about your character.

I play an important role out of the three main characters in the movie. After shooting for 20 days we didn’t find the right fit for the character so I decided to do the role myself. The setting had to be perfect and the same with the kind of actors required.

How do you find juggling between acting, writing and direction?

For me, it comes naturally to juggle between writing and acting. While acting I never do more than one film at a time. When I’m shooting for other films, my mind constantly roams around what to write next for the screen. Screen writing is always a priority in my to-do list.

Tel us about your style of directing.

It is simply an extension of what people think of me. In films, they see a very little of me, but what they see gets ingrained in their minds. Nevertheless, my debut has set high expectations. But I am sure that the film will do well as it is bound to connect well with the audience.

Most of us know about your profound love for Woody Allen. Has he also inspired you with the direction part?

(Smiles) I can’t deny the influence. But I stick to my style. I watched his films even before I knew about him. The remarkable thing about Allen’s movies is that the story gets very connectable. I’m trying to wriggle out of his infectious impression all the same.

What is your take on small and mid-budget films struggling to release?

I would say that content should always win. The film makers should focus on the quality rather than battling hard for a release. There are difficulties but eventually things will change. Things have always changed in the way cinema operated. At the end, quality always sustains the test of time.

Has this got anything to do with the audience attitude?

No the things are already happening despite the trends with the audience since 5 or 6 years. Some of the small films made money as well. A lot of people are now coming forward to fund them. There is also a mighty tough competition out if which only the best films come out to see the light of the day.

Tell us about Shourya and Raashi, your main lead in Oohalu Gusagusalaade.

I’m lucky to have found talent like Shourya and Raashi. They are here to stay. Shourya is fast emerging as one of the finest in Tollywood. Raashi will be noticed for her exemplary acting. I’m glad she is making her debut with my film in Telugu.

What are your plans way forward?

I will aspire to direct more films but slowly. I will not rush in and will be choosy about the subjects meant for directing. Acting will be always be the first in priority to me.

Your advice to the budding technicians

Just love cinema. Give it enough love n it will give back.