Sumanth: I want to do mindless comedies like Ajay Devgn

Telugu actor Sumanth, who made a successful comeback this year Golconda High School (GHS), is back with another release, Raaj, out this Friday. It has been directed by V N Aditya.

In his interview, Sumanth -- who is Nagarjuna's nephew -- talks to Radhika Rajamani about the film, his heroines Priyamani and Vimala Raman, and the kind of films he wants to do.

There is a huge gap between Golconda High School and Raaj. Why?

I wasn't happy with the kind of scripts I was being offered. I hate sitting at home but don't want to do everything that comes my way.

What is Raaj about?

It's about a guy stuck between two girls. It's a romantic drama with a little comedy and action. You can call it a love triangle.

Is it a commercial film?

What is your character in the movie?

I play a fashion photographer stuck between his ex-lover and his wife.

So do you get to photograph hot girls in the film?

No, my character doesn't get into that. Fashion photography is just in the background and not the central point of the story.

You act with Priyamani and Vimala Raman. How was it sharing the screen with them?

It was fun. All of us got along well with each other. It was like a house on fire. Vimala has a killer sense of humour and she kept us entertained on the sets. On the whole, the shoot was tension-free and fun.

Where is the film shot?

Most of the film was shot in Hyderabad. One of the songs (with Priyamani) was shot in Manali, while two songs (one with Priyamani and one with Vimala) were shot in Goa.

This is the first time you are being directed by V N Aditya. How was it working with him?

V N Aditya has worked with my uncle (Nagarjuna) before. So I've known him. We had planned to work together before. In fact, he came with the script of Madhumasam first but later Chandra Siddhartha directed it.

Aditya is good with romantic drama and he's got a keen sense of music. He's an easy-going person.

Did you give any inputs to this film?

I gave inputs at the scripting stage. My inputs were marginal.

What can we look forward to in this film?

Seeing me sandwiched between two girls in a way is a new element. The music is pretty good. Out of the six songs, four tracks are very soothing and romantic.

Do you think the film will go down well with the audience?

I don't know, as I am not a great judge of that. We'll have to wait and see.

You received rave reviews and critical acclaim for your performance in Golconda High School. How does it feel?

As an artiste, Golconda High School will be a milestone in my career.

On a personal level, it has given me a lot of mileage, even more than my earlier film Godavari. It was a hero-centric as well as an author-driven film. I am more than happy.

How was it working with director Mohankrishna Indraganti and producer Rammohan in Golconda High School?

We share the same sensibilities and it was a breeze working with them. I wouldn't question Mohan because we were in the same mind-space and there was peace of mind working in GHS. I would love to work with them again.

Are you happy with the film's response at the box office?

Yeah, pretty much. It made money. I would have liked it if it made more money. Nevertheless, it is a commercial hit.

What are the kind of films you would want to do?

I want to do a mindless comedy like perhaps what Ajay Devgn did in Golmaal and maybe an action thriller.

What is your kind of cinema?