Ghani is all set for a release on the 8th of this month. On this occasion, we caught up with Varun Tej for a detailed interview. Here is the transcript.

What made you say yes to director Kiran?

I worked with Kiran on Mister and suggested his name for Tholi Prema. During the making, I understood that he has solid talent and finalized him as a director. It was my idea to do a sports drama and Kiaran developed the story.

About your preparation to play a boxer?

I went to the US to learn the basic techniques of boxing. I trained with an Indian professional boxer for close to a year and a half. I thought playing a boxer would be easy but understood the hardships only when I started working out. Working on my body was tough as Covid spoilt all my plans. But I made sure that I go all out and wanted the film to come out well.

What have you learned from doing a sports drama?

I have learned to be disciplined in life no matter what. After working on this film, I changed my personal lifestyle as well and am more sorted out now.

How disappointed were you with the multiple postponements of Ghani?

Initially, I was not but the moment the film got postponed in January, I felt bad and wanted it to come out as soon as possible. Sometimes things are not in our hands and we have to wait for our time to come.

Working experience with Upendra?

I have grown up watching his films but never met him in real. But the way he spoke to me and used to call me Varun Garu shocked me. I learned a lot from him during the making. He will shock you with his role in the film.

What did you learn from your failures?

Unless and until I won’t experiment, how would I know what the audience likes or not? With a film like Antariksham, I understood that I should one should not experiment too much and cater to what the audience wants.

Why didn’t you plan Ghani as a pan-India film?

Films on boxing have been made a lot in Hindi in the last few years. That is the reason, we did not release it in Hindi. But we have made sure that Ghani will have a good Kannada release.

Future Projects?

F3 will release soon and will be a good hit. Also, I have signed a film with Praveen Sattaru which is a proper action drama. There is also one more film with Kiran Korrapati that is being scripted as of now.