I Rejected Few Half-Baked Scripts Before Uppena: Vaishnav Tej

Vaishnav Tej is the next hero coming from mega compound and his film Uppena is all set for release on 12th of this month. Krithi Shetty played the leading lady in the film directed by Buchi Babu Sana under Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Here are excerpts from interview with Vaishnav Tej.

It’s an uncommon occurrence that a film with first timers received super hit talk much before the release. How does it feel?
I’m really happy and feeling blessed to receive such overwhelming response for songs, teaser and trailer. It’s a collective effort to make a wonderful product. I just hope that, everybody recognizes our hard work and make good profits for our producers.

Did you listen to any other stories before signing Uppena?
Before Buchi Babu narrated me the script, I got couple of other offers with noted directors. But due to various reasons like half-baked scripts and not so impressive content, I rejected them. Since I loved Uppena’s story, I chose it for my first film.

You looked trendy when you visited the sets of Sardaar Gabbar Singh. Going by the looks, many felt you would be apt for coming of age love stories in urban setup. What was your reaction when Buchi Babu narrated the story on rural backdrop?
I never thought that I would make my debut with a rural backdrop film. I had waited for good subjects and I didn’t mind playing a rustic guy, as I may not find such beautiful stories in future.

How was it working with Buchi Babu?
He is very hard working and he believed the script and the magic in it. I felt very comfortable working with him.

What were the compliments you received after the release of teaser and trailer?
Many have told me that I performed maturely. They said they were eagerly waiting for the release of the film.

Did Pawan Kalyan watch the trailer, if so what did he say?
Yes, he watched the trailer and said it’s good. He liked the dialogues in it. Mamayya also loved my performance as well as Krithi’s. He also appreciated the grand making of Mythri Movie Makers.

How supportive were the producers of Mythri Movie Makers?
They were very supportive. They didn’t think about the budget and the increase of working days. They even rejected OTT offers, as they wanted to release the film in theatres. I really happy honored to work under the production house.

Did you feel pressure when lockdown was announced due to corona pandemic just when your film was about to release?
I’m just a part of Indian film industry. More than anything people were suffering outside. The pandemic situation looked big for me.

Did Vijay Sethupathi give any tips in acting?
Vijay Sethupathi is very humble and down to earth. He used to improvise every scene. I learnt a lot from him.

Krithi Shetty is winning praises for her looks and performance. How was your rapport with her?
Krithi Shetty learnt Telugu in a week days and she just lived in the role. She is very friendly with me.

Your second film was completed much before the release of your first film. Do you want to do back to back films?
I’m not in a hurry to do films one after the other. But, when Krish narrated me the story during the lockdown, I loved my character and the script. I was thrilled when I heard the story. Moreover, the film has big setup with Rakul Preet Singh playing the lead actress and Keeravani on board to score music.