Interview: Varun Tej – Korean Kanakaraju is an out-and-out entertainer
Mega Prince Varun Tej will next be seen in the horror-comedy entertainer Korean Kanakaraju. The film, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, features Ritika Nayak as the female lead. The movie is jointly produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Baba Jagarlamudi under the banners of UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments. Thaman is the music composer. Ahead of the release tomorrow, Varun Tej interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.
What aspects of the Korean Kanakaraju story impressed you?
I liked the entertainment the most. Even during the narration, I was laughing nonstop. I usually listen to a story as a viewer watching a film in a theatre. Like every actor, I wish to do versatile roles. After COVID, I have been doing more serious films. I wanted to do an entertaining film. Korean Kanakaraju was made with the intention of amusing the audience for two and a half hours.
Premieres are filling up fast. Has the pressure reduced?
We completed shooting much earlier, and we had ample time for post-production. The film has come out very well, and hence we are exuding the same confidence during promotions. Director Gandhi, Ritika, and Satya promoted the film wholeheartedly, treating it as their own. With the teaser and trailer, audiences have decided to watch the film, and the same is being reflected in the bookings.
You approached promotions quite differently. Tell us about it.
We need to do something unique to take the film closer to the audience these days. Also, the promotional campaign should be in sync with the film’s content. Some said that we revealed the whole story, but we wanted to prepare the audience. Korean Kanakaraju is an out-and-out entertainer. It is tough to edit trailers for this kind of film.
How was it learning Korean?
I like learning new things, and that’s one of the reasons I became an actor. I love playing new roles and being able to behave like a new person. I work hard to ensure that the character appears on the screen and not me.
Some are comparing the film to OG. What do you say about it?
For Kalyan Babai’s fans, OG is very special, and it left a huge impact. It has a Japanese touch. Hence, some might have felt that way. But Korean Kanakaraju is in no way similar to OG.
How are you maintaining a work-life balance?
After Lavanya and I were blessed with a baby boy, I didn’t have any shootings, and hence I spent more time at home. But whenever there is a shoot, I miss them. I am at home only when there is no shooting. I travel only with my family. It is important to balance professional and personal lives.