Sudheer Babu’s latest film, Sammohanam has caught on quite well all over. On the eve of the film’s release, we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Here is the transcript.

About the project?

After my first film SMS, Indraganti came to me with a project but things did not materialize somehow. The same project was made as Oohalu Gusagusalade which was directed by Srinivasa Avasarala. Years later, when he came up with the story of Sammohanam, I latched on to it at once and that is how the project started.

Your role in the film?

I play a comic book illustrator who does not likes movies and the glamor surrounded by it. How a guy like me falls in love with an actress and how his life changes is the story. As an actor, I had a great time working on my character. I used to come prepared to the sets as I had a talented actress in the form of Aditi Rao to compete with me. My role has different variations and I feel that this is my work to date.

Working experience with Aditi Rao?

I have seen some of her works previously and was completely floored by it. When a good actor like her is in front of you, things get better automatically. Both our roles have been executed quite interestingly and will be a new experience for the audience.

Mahesh recently said that you have come up on your own. How does it feel?

I take it as a compliment because I am here to do my best and create a niche for myself. I hate when people say that I am making use of my background. All that I need is a bit of respect which I am getting now for my work.

Will you do villainous roles in Telugu too?

Bollywood was never my dream. I luckily got a chance from a big banner to play a negative role and I did it because I never wanted to let off such a good opportunity. Coming to playing villain roles, I am only being offered hero roles in Telugu and I am happy doing them as of now.

How do you rate yourself as an actor?

I think my best is yet to come and glimpses of it will be seen in Sammohanam. Indraganti has extracted a good performance from me and I feel that anyone who wants to prove himself as an actor needs to work with him at least once in his career.

Tell us about the highlights of the film?

Naresh garu is one added advantage to the film. I have some amazing scenes with him which will move you and evoke good laughs at the same time. The premise is very good and the audience will get to see a pure love story which is missing these days in Telugu.