Nikhil: Not in a hurry to do more films

Nikhil has been on a roll, choosing experimental films like 'Swamy Ra Ra', 'Karthikeya', 'Surya Vs Surya' and now 'Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada' (EPC). In this interview, he talks about why his November 18 release is special, why he is not in a hurry, so on and so forth.

Your film is coming at a time when people are grappling with currency issues. What thoughts are crossing your mind?

Although Modi garu's Demonetization policy makes us feel a little scared about the impact on collections, we are hopeful that 'Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada' will be watched as it's a big-screen experience. Cinema is by and large the cheapest source of entertainment and so, the low-denomination currency with folks will be spent on it.

How is 'EPC' a different supernatural flick compared to the regular ones that we get to see?

'EPC' is not a typical horror flick where the characters are trapped in a haunted house. There is an interesting fantasy element out there. It's a horror-comedy and a love story is a thorough undercurrent all throughout the film. Maybe because of Sekhar Chandra, it's coming off as 'Karthikeya', but 'EPC' is entirely different.

Besides love and spooky element, what other aspects are the crowd-pullers, in your opinion?

'EPC' is fun all throughout and he has helped in raising the entertainment quotient. Vennela Kishore has a very good comic part in the film. I think he is filling the space of a Brahmanandam garu and Sunil garu. People are thoroughly enjoying his style of comedy nowadays.

Given your success rate, don't you think you have somewhat slowed down?

I never take the success of any of my film for granted. Even in the case of 'Karthikeya', I was little tensed till a day before its release. In this case, too, I am tensed. I strongly believe that one shouldn't do a film feeling obligated to a friend. A superstar's movie can do well despite some deficiencies, but a young actor like me has to choose a strong subject. People do ask me as to why I don't do more number of movies, but I don't want to hurry through and risk losing my goodwill. I don't believe in the budget. A small-budgeted film like 'Pelli Choopulu' did so well. It's about the content and the director.

There are rumours that you have been unduly over-reaching yourself to the extent of interfering with the creative process of your director. What is the truth?

It's wrong to say that I interfered with the creative process. Even before my film goes on the floor, I let my makers know that I will do promotions after the film is done. It would be good if the lead actors promote their film. It helps the film. You can ask my director if I ever interfered with his work.

What are your upcoming projects?

The film in the direction of Sudheer Varma is 40 pc done. It's set in village backdrop and has been shot in places like Amalapuram and Rajahmundry. Chandoo Mondeti recently narrated a very interesting subject, which is a sequel to 'Karthikeya'. But, honestly, it's more interesting than 'Karthikeya'. This film will come through after he and I are done with our current commitments.