Venkatesh, whose upcoming entertainer Sankranthiki Vasthunam hits theatres today, had his previous release exactly a year ago with the action-drama Saindhav. The 2024 film, facing stiff competition from other star vehicles, had failed at the box office. However, the actor seems unfazed by the commercial outcome of his upcoming film.
Sankranthiki Vasthunam marks Venkatesh’s third collaboration with filmmaker Anil Ravipudi on a comedy-driven entertainer after F2 and F3. The actor assures that the comedy in SV is different from their previous collaborations. “This time, I decided to give my performance a little subtlety.” At the same time, Venkatesh reiterated that he doesn’t overanalyse his working process, especially when it comes to light-hearted films like SV. He explains, “My role in SV is not that complicated. It’s not an emotional film like Dharmachakram (1996). Entertainment films come easily to me.”
In the past, Venkatesh had headlined a number of films where he played a married man dealing with a complicated love triangle, be it Sundarakanda (1992) or Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu (1996). The actor recalls how several filmmakers came up with similar stories for many years after the success of the aforementioned films. However, Anil Ravipudi had a conscious attempt to make Sankranthiki Vasthunam stand out, he notes. “There was some freshness with the one-liner: ‘An ex-cop, an ex-girlfriend, an excellent wife.’ Also, Anil and I get along very well, so I always had the freedom to keep on improvising. Comedy happens the best when you have such freedom. Also, the crime angle was new as well.” Sankranthiki Vasthunam also marks the first time Venkatesh is sharing screen space with both Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary. Praising his co-stars, Venkatesh reflects, “Both are very lively girls. I could see them wanting to perform better and match my energy—because when it comes to comedy, I get a little crazy.”
On the recent phenomenon of pan-Indian films and the changing tastes of the audiences, Venkatesh emphatically states that he is not the kind of person who gives these topics too much thought. He explains, "I am not much of a thinker. There are other people who do that kind of thinking. I just go with the flow and take whichever opportunity comes in front of me.” The actor also claims he doesn't know what kind of films propel audiences to visit theatres anymore. He notes, “Everything has become a little tough, with the extra amount of content you are getting in all formats. Audiences have plenty of options now. So it’s a big mystery how they choose what to watch in theatres.”
After over 35 years in the industry, Venkatesh sounds secure and self-assured about his status in the film industry. On the dream roles he missed out on over the years, Venkatesh says, “You shouldn’t think about things like this—what you missed out on. If it’s meant for you, it will come to you. Just keep looking out for good work.” Further reflecting on his successful career, the actor adds, “Success and failure are not my priorities. After a stage, there is nothing to decide about your career. The audiences have accepted me long ago. My duty is to keep on working hard, be sincere, and then leave it up to them.”