I want to do sensible films.
— Naga Chaitanya
Going to a gym or playing a sport should not be mechanical. There should be an emotional attachment to it.
After my marriage, I feel stronger and confident to do anything.
I love 'Swamy Ra Ra' movie and I wanted to act in Sudheer Varma's direction after watching that film.
I am happy that two newcomers are being introduced with 'Vaisakham.' New talent bode well for the industry, as they bring refreshing content.
'Savyasachi' has got all the essential elements. This is an all-rounder movie. So many girls have called me up during the making of this movie. Never before did I receive those many calls from girls.
It makes sense for an actor to space out his releases. But filmmaking is unpredictable.
All producers and directors want to make good films.
I don't usually prefer over-the-top action.
I'm not a social guy. I don't like the constant media glare on everything I do.
I'm calm and composed, and I don't expect a lot from anyone.
I never had many girls in my life.
I don't like to mix my personal and professional life. Both are different, and I don't mix it.
We fell in love during the making of 'Ye Maaya Chesave' in 2009, and the love affair continued very well in the following years. I was, however, delaying revealing to my parents about my love affair despite Sam's insistence. One day, when we were chatting casually, Sam threatened to tie a 'rakhi' on me if I didn't tell about the love to my parents.
There is no safe zone now: whether it's commercial or experimental films, the audience wants content. Otherwise, they reject the film.
A box-office number is good for a producer and the industry to keep the turnover game on, but as an actor, I give importance to script. I will turn down a script, even if it guarantees Rs. 100 crore, when I'm not convinced with it.
I'm interested to branch out to Tamil because I know the language. If Bollywood happens, it will be a bonus, but I'm not working towards a career in it.
Oh, it is a boon to have a lineage like mine. Of course there's additional responsibility, and I have to live up to expectations all the time, but that's fine with me.
If you like working out in a gym over playing a sport, then you should go ahead and do it. It is about what your mind has a liking towards.
I am happy to be acting with my wife.
My father and my grandfather always watch my films and share their feedback with me. It helps me a lot in my own career.
Our idea to remake the Malayalam 'Premam' was not to make a better film than the original film or correct the mistakes they made or perform better than that hero. The soul of the Malayalam movie was taken and changed a bit to match with the Telugu sensibilities so that our audience can enjoy the movie.
Akkineni fans are the best.
I was class VI or VII when I had a crush on a girl, and I thought this is the girl I'd marry. When you're so young, you are crestfallen when things don't turn out your way and think it's the end of the world.
I always cooperate to complete a film within the budget. Not a single film of mine has overshot its budget.
To survive in this industry, you need to prove yourself. Stardom follows.
I don't want to work in heavy duty commercial movies that Tollywood is known for. The audience need characters they can relate to, so my aim is to play such roles.
I have the fear of losing everything. At times, I get these reality checks which make me aware of what a privileged life I lead.
If somebody asks me to choose a biopic, it would be Narain Karthikeyan because I love racing.
When I told my father about Samantha, he simply laughed and said that he is happy and that he already knew about our love story.
Most of my time is in front of the camera, so the little time that I get is mine alone.
For me, every other actor is a threat, and it makes me work hard.
I was 19 or 20 when I was confused whether to take up films as a career. At that juncture, I enrolled in an acting workshop and then eventually realised I was destined to be in films.
It's time for Telugu cinema to make its presence felt.
The Tamil industry has a huge market and already has many talented actors. So, making a mark in Kollywood is not easy. I will have to choose the right script and do it the right way.
I wish that 'Damarukam' will be a huge hit.
Whether between family members or others, there should be a competition. Without that healthy competition, it is impossible to grow as actors.
Dad has been my guiding force. Whenever I am confused about choosing a script, I discuss it with him. However, I have said 'no' to scripts he agreed to, while he has said 'yes,' too, for scripts I have turned down. We have this mutual understanding that works between us.
After starting with 'Premam,' asking director Chandoo Mondeti to do a remake was a mistake because he has much more potential and creative ability to direct.
I always feel pleasure while introducing new talent.
My father said, 'How many days can I promote your film? You need to get your own recognition and your own identity. I can't be there always. So do it yourself.' So now I work on promotion, and he steps in to help just before the release.
I tried my hand in action films, and now I am back to love stories, as people like to see me as a lover boy! But as an actor, I want to try all genres.
Your work should do the talking and define who you are. That's the mantra I follow.
I prefer hanging out with my small group of friends, maybe head to the beach once in three months, pursue my hobbies, and just be happy with the small joys of life.
As an actor, it's really important for me to improve my work, and I take criticism in a positive sense.
Usually, I prefer not to clarify anything that is being talked about me, but when it goes out of limits, I reply.
I really liked 'Premam,' and when we decided to remake it, our intention was never to make a better film.
Off screen, I am a very shy person, and I want to keep my personal life completely personal.
It's true that love stories are my comfort zone, and the result that 'Premam' got has only boosted my confidence in trying films of this genre.
Coming from Akkineni family, I could say I was drawn into cinema, but nobody forced me to become an actor.
