Kartikeya Gummakonda: I am not here to become an overnight sensation

Chaavu Kaburu Challaga is set to hit the screens tomorrow and ahead of its release, actor Kartikeya Gummakonda reflects on what this film means to him.

Excerpts from a conversation with the actor:

Tell us why you chose Chaavu Kaburu Challaga.

The film came to me in 2019 and the moment I realised that it is being bankrolled by Geetha Arts, I grabbed the opportunity. I play Basti Balaraju, a driver of a funeral service vehicle, who falls for a widow when he goes to pick up the mortal remains of her husband. I'm playing a rugged role with mass appeal for the first time. The title of the film conveys a strong point and the storyline is really striking. The film opens quite interestingly and it sets the tone for the proceedings. All these points pushed me to sign this film.

Did you have any qualms about working with debutant director Koushik Pegallapati?

When I met Koushik for the first time, I was under the impression that Geetha Arts was making a film on the lines of Pelli Choopulu. When he narrated the script of Chaavu Kaburu Challaga, I was both shocked and thrilled. The film is a perfect amalgamation of philosophy and emotions. I believe that the film has come out well and I am really confident that it is going to be a path-breaking hit in my career.

The story of Chaavu Kaburu Challaga revolves around the concept of death. Do you think it is a risky proposition to choose such subject in the time of the pandemic?

We cannot deceive death and the protagonist of the film has his own philosophy on this aspect. The story runs through a gamut of emotions and Koushik has presented this serious subject as a sugar-coated pill. His style of filmmaking reminded me of Rajkumar Hirani.

What was it like working with Aamani?

After Koushik narrated the script, I asked him who would play my mother in the film. She is an amazing actor who truly did justice to her character. I was completely in awe of her simplicity and friendly demeanour. Despite being a popular actor, her enthusiasm for learning new things seems endless.

Do you put a lot of thought into choosing your scripts?

I am an outsider and I have no godfather in the film industry. So I trust my intuition and also rely on the feedback of my friends. I have delivered a few flops along the way, but I don't regret doing those film. They were done with a lot of belief and passion.

Did you introspect on your failures?

I accept my failures. My decisions or judgement misfired in those instances, but I treat them as learning experiences. I am not here to become an overnight sensation. I am a constant learner and my experience is enriched with each passing day.