It's almost a dream debut for Vaishnav Tej, although the film Uppena is directed by first timer Buchi Babu Sana.
Prestigious production house Mythri Movie Makers has bankrolled the project with Devi Sri Prasad scoring music. Songs were chartbusters and teaser as well as trailer got rave reviews.
Moreover, the pre-release function was celebrated like that of a star hero with many noted personalities including megastar Chiranjeevi gracing it.
Vaishnav Tej in his exclusive interview with greatandhra.com shared many interesting facts about the film.
What was your priority, a star director or a good script?
It actually doesn’t matter for me. Whether I work with a first timer or a star director, all it matters was a good script.
You did few films as a child artist and this is your first film. Were you really ready for your debut?
I love acting. But, I was not completely ready then. Before I signed Uppena, few directors approached me with their scripts. My brother Sai Dharam Tej advised me then that I should listen to stories first and pick the best. My mother also used to tell me the same. Buchi Babu came up with full script and as we liked it, Uppena is chosen as my debut project.
What kind of preparation underwent to play the role of Aasi?
A trainer was hired and I was given one month proper training. It was almost like a work shop to prepare for my role. It’s indeed is a very challenging role.
What did Chiranjeevi and Sai Dharam Tej say when they heard the story?
Both Chiranjeevi mamayya and Sai Dharam Tej anna listened to the story together. I was in two minds whether I should do the script. Though I liked the story, I doubted whether I can pull off the role. Chiranjeevi gaaru took the final call and told me to do it. I can’t cross his word. I said okay then. My brother too loved the story and he too told me that I should do the film.
How far songs scored by DSP helped in creating the buzz?
Devi Sri Prasad is the real reason behind all the buzz the film has generated. The success of audio is a big plus for the film.
Did you feel the pressure during the pre-release function as you looked bit nervous?
I used to watch film events of my brothers sitting in front of the stage. But, coming onto the stage and speaking in front of huge crowd was a new feeling for me. Of course, I was bit nervous in the beginning.
How was it working under one of the leading productions like Mythri Movie Makers?
We have got everything we needed, in terms of budget, visuals and music. Although number of working days increased, they didn’t mind anything.
There were speculations that Uppena would release on OTT. Did the makers ever think of going for direct to digital release?
Of course, we have got big deals for OTT rights. But, producers wanted to release the film only in theatres. I personally don’t have any problems. All I see is whether the producers are happy or not. I have no qualms in whatever the decision they take- whether it’s OTT release or theatrical release.
What do you feel whether mega hero tag is a boon or a burden?
Mega hero tag is definitely a big boon. I don’t feel it’s a burden and the recognition as mega hero is more than anything.
Your chemistry with Krithi Shetty was adorable? What do you say about it?
Krithi Shetty is a terrific actor. She owned the role and killed it with her performance. Everybody is saying that our chemistry was charming.
How was it sharing screen space with the star like Vijay Sethupathi?
It’s an honor for me and I’m very lucky to get the opportunity to work with Vijay Sethupathi gaaru. He gave me lots of inputs and I got to spend more time with him off sets. He is very calm and very friendly. He mingles easily with all the people on sets.
Did Chiranjeevi and family watch the film, if so what did they say?
Chiranjeevi gaaru, my atha Surekha gaaru, my brother Sai Dharam Tej, Sushmitha, Varun anna, Charan anna and Upasana have watched the film. They liked it a lot. All of them were very proud of me. I’m more than happy for that.
Your first two films are completely based on rural backdrop. Do you have any plans of doing mass and commercial films?
To be frank, I didn’t think about it much. Uppena is a rural backdrop film, but it has the comedy, songs and all other commercial elements. If good scripts come my way, I am ready to do all kinds of films.