Ahead of his film’s release, Devara star Jr NTR recently sat down for an informal interview session with Bollywood celebrities Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt. Karan has acquired the distribution rights for Devara: Part 1 for its release in north Indian territories. During the session, the RRR actor spoke about what makes Koratala Siva, the director of Devara, stand apart from other filmmakers.

Talking about the common theme running through Koratala Siva’ filmography, Jr NTR stated, “Koratala Siva carries a responsibility towards society. He wants to give something back to society, so there’s always this underlying message in his films. And he is not preachy.” Jr NTR added, “He’s found this art of making this preachy story into a commercially viable, exciting product.”

Recalling how Koratala Siva had been a successful screenwriter before making his foray into film direction, Jr NTR added, “We first worked together in Brindaavanam, and that’s when I realised there is so much potential in him to become a director.”  Koratala Siva, who made his directorial debut with Prabhas starrer Mirchi, has since directed 5 movies — Janatha Garage, Srimanthudu, Bharath Ane Nenu and Acharya.

Devara: Part 1, which marks Siva’s second collaboration with Jr NTR after Janatha Garage, is slated for a massive worldwide release on September 27.