The intense action drama Pedhha Kapu 1, directed by Srikanth Addala, features Virat Karrna and Pragathi Srivastava in the lead roles. The film produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy of Dwaraka Creations is scheduled for a grand release this Friday. Mickey J. Meyer composed the tunes. Ahead of the release, we had a brief interaction with Virat, and here is the transcript.

Could you give a brief intro about yourself?

After college, I worked for Jaya Janaki Nayaka. I have a huge passion for movies. I overlooked the production formalities, but I wasn’t satisfied. I made a short video, and Srikanth Garu liked it. He felt that I would suit the role perfectly. I trained under Satyanand Garu for about four months.

How was the working experience, as this is your first film?

Though I had undergone training, I was very nervous during the initial days of the shoot, seeing a lot of crowds on the sets. My first shot was with Eeswari Rao Garu, and she is a terrific performer. Slowly, I started getting into the rhythm, and later, I enjoyed working.

Generally, actors tend to choose romantic and youthful entertainers for debut films. What made you do a movie like Peddha Kapu?

Even the video that I did initially was filled with action, and hence, makers thought I would fit the bill rightly as a mass hero. This is the story of a common man who goes through various struggles to achieve big in life.

Did you feel tense thinking about the film’s budget?

I was a bit tense about the film’s budget from the very first day of the shoot. That helped me to perform better. The producer believed in the story and didn’t think about the box office prospects. If I had not been part of Peddha Kapu, some other new actor would have done it.

How was the working experience with Srikanth Addala Garu?

I am an introvert and used to be very nervous in the beginning when talking to the director, sir. Now, I have become very close to Srikanth Garu. Srikanth Addala Garu brought out the best in me for Peddha Kapu.

Did Srikanth Addala Garu explain the political scenarios in the 1980s to you?

The movie isn’t related to politics. It deals with a few people in society who don’t want others to develop in their lives. Not just in politics, this is present in every field. I grew up in a village, which helped me adapt to this film very easily.

What kind of films do you wish to do?

Every actor will have a bucket list. I like Gautham Menon’s love films and want to do one such film. I also want to be part of action films and family dramas. I will complete Peddha Kapu 2 and then move on to other films.