I am a very shy person: Naga Chaitanya

Naga Chaitanya says that he has come out of his comfort zone to do Sailaja Reddy Alludu. “It’s my most difficult role till date because the film is a complete entertainer. Generally I do more subtle roles, but this role has a lot of energy with humour mixed in,” says Naga Chaitanya, who reveals that he plays a cool guy in the film.

“Most of the characters have ego problems and their relationships are in trouble, except for me. How I deal with them is told in a humourous way,” he says, adding that while earlier films revolved around the theme of revenge, this film plays more on emotions.

Incidentally, his wife Samantha’s film is also releasing on the same day and Chay admits that she has been aggressively promoting her film. “Yes, she released a promotional song which became viral and she is a bit ahead. Next time, I have to learn from her,” he quips.

When asked if he depends on his father (Nagarjuna) for selecting scripts and films, he replies, “Initially, I depended a lot on my father, but he has not been involved in the last four films. However, once the shooting is complete and the film comes to the editing table, I show it to him. I completely trust him since he gives his honest opinion like a friend,” says Chaitanya, adding that he relies more on his wife now.

Does he feel that Vijay Deverakonda is a threat to other actors? “Vijay has proved his talent with his films, but there is no threat from him. For me, every other actor is a threat and it makes me work hard,” says the actor.

The actor opines that the audience has changed now. “There is no safe zone now, whether it’s commercial or experimental films, the audience wants content, otherwise they reject the film,” says Chay.  

With three films related to his family members releasing this month, can it be called the ‘Akkineni festival’ month? “If all the films do well, then you can call it so, but if they don’t, we will have to face the music,” he says in a lighter mood.

Responding to wife Samantha’s revelations that he doesn’t like to post his pictures on Instagram, Naga Chaitanya says, “Yes, off screen, I am a very shy person and I want to keep my personal life completely personal. Most of my time is in front of the camera, so the little time that I get is mine alone.” The actor confirms that his other film Savsyasachi is also complete. “It needs computer graphics, hence the delay, otherwise it was supposed to release first. Now, it may be ready by November,” he states. 

Meanwhile, come October, both he and Samantha will shoot for a film in which they will act together.