Venu Thottempudi has played a key role in 'Ramarao On Duty', which releases on July 29. In this interview, the actor talks about his acting sabbatical, why he accepted the Ravi Teja-starrer, his future plans, and more.
I have been engaged in my family business of road works, infrastructure and irrigation, and that's why I haven't been active in films. 'Dammu' in 2012 and 'Ramachari' in 2013 were my previous movies. 'Ramarao On Duty' is the first one I have done in nearly 8 years. Thanks to the pandemic, I started watching stuff on OTT and TV. It sparked the conscious thought that I have not been doing movies.
Director Sarath Mandava offered to meet me over breakfast. He told me he would like to cast me as my fan. I loved the outline of the story. I have played a character named Murali, a Circle Inspector.
I have been fascinated by multi-starrers. Even after a blockbuster, I did a multi-hero movie like 'Hanuman Junction' (2001). 'Pellam Oorelithe' (2003), too. There is so much to learn from your co-stars while doing multi-starrers. Ravi Teja is a simple, straightforward, no-nonsense, down-to-earth person. Most of my scenes in 'Ramarao..' are with him.
While roping me in for 'Dammu', Boyapati Srinu told me my character is akin to Amitabh Bachchan's in 'Sholay'! The only similarity is that both characters die. There is no other similarity, as you all know. Nothing is the end of the road.
I was offered a key role in 'Athadu'. After I rejected it, it went Sonu Sood's way.
I was not allowed to dub my voice for my first movie. Since the film became a hit, my dubbing artist's voice came to be identified with mine. And I continued to be dubbed by the same dubbing artist. In 'Ramarao..', I have dubbed my own voice.
I am here to continue to act if interesting offers come my way, especially in the digital space (read OTT and web series).
