Venkatesh: Shadow is an action packed film

Venkatesh's multistarrer Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (SVSC) with Mahesh Babu was a hit when it released at the beginning of this year.

Now Venkatesh has switched genres for the film Shadow, directed by Mehar Ramesh, releasing today (April 26).

Just the evening before the release, Venkatesh spent a few minutes at his studios to talk about Shadow and getting back to the action genre.

What made you go back to acting in an action film? Is it because you have not done one for a while?

Yes, I haven't done one for a while. There was feedback from the new generation and the mass crowd that I should do one.

They were not aware that I had done such films earlier. They had seen films like SVSC and Bodyguard, which didn't have high-voltage action.

I felt softer films were getting repetitive. Shadow is a film with a revenge plot so the youth can enjoy fast-paced action.

There is good music and background score by Thaman. I saw the film and there is freshness in it.

Could you elaborate more on the film?

In my earlier action films and in revenge films generally, the action sequences are heavy and crude. In Shadow, it's stylised. The killings in the airport or the street chase have an English tone which may have a repeat audience. They are not like what is seen in other action films or in my movies like Thulasi or Jayam Manade Raa.

In Shadow most of the action is shot in foreign locales like Kuala Lumpur. I tried to look back at the action I have done before. I haven't been seen in motorcycles or speed boats in lakes. The ammunition I use is also different.

Even though Shadow is a revenge drama, there is a lot of entertainment in the plot with M S Narayana and his friends. I too behave in a slightly different way in between and it may seem like a twist. This may be a change and I'm hoping to get a good reaction from the audience.

The film has a lot of commercial elements as we don't want to lose the family audience. There is a mother-sister sentiment which starts off before the interval and carries on in the second half.

You have an image makeover in the film. How was your look decided?

I thought of a new look and Mehar liked it. I have not had long hair for quite some time (I had it during Bobbili Raja). Luckily, the long hair created a buzz in the beginning. The youth and others liked it.

What's your role like?

I play a young guy who takes revenge. It's a plain and simple plot, a straight line.

You are acting with Srikkanth in this film too...

Yes, we are together after three-four films. He plays an important role of a cop.

How was Taapsee as a co-star?

She's turning glamorous here. She wears attractive costumes. There's a lot of scope for her in the songs. One of her songs scored by Thaman Naughty Girl is doing well.

She told me that she had a lot to take home acting with you...

It has been a pleasure to work with newcomers who want to make it big. I've guided them and given advice and they have taken it well.

What appealed to you about Mehar Ramesh?

Many people asked me why I should work with him as his career is not flying. He came with a minimum guarantee commercial line and a paisa vasool film.

I have not done the action genre for a while. For Mehar, too, this was an important film as he was looking for a hit. So, this helped the team to work harder.

You are working with Aditya Pancholi for the first time even though you have known each other for many years. He was full of praise for you...

This is Aditya's first Telugu film. He took it seriously. It was a mixture of method acting and spontaneity. He looks very stylish in the film.

What was most strenuous thing about the shoot?

We shot at the height of summer in Kuala Lumpur and I had to wear black leather outfits which were heavy. It was quite an ordeal.

I had long hair and a beard. I did stunts without dupes (duplicates) and bike chases that were quite risky. It was thrilling riding a fast bike in the middle of the road.

The Telugu remake of Bol Bachchan has gone into production...

Yes, we have started the shoot. Suresh Productions is also involved in producing the film along with Sravanthi Movies.

I'm enjoying working with Vijayabhaskar after Nuvvu Naaku Nachav and Malleswari. It's nice to be acting with Ram who's working very hard.

What are your future projects?

I may be doing a silent film to be produced by Suresh Productions.