Declined 80 scripts before 'Jayammu Nischayammu Raa': Srinivas

Chennai, Nov 16: Comedian Srinivas Reddy proved himself in a leading role with 2014 Telugu horror hit "Geethanjali". Two years later, as he gears up to play the protagonist in forthcoming release "Jayammu Nischayammu Raa", he says had to turn down 80 scripts before signing on the dotted line for this project.

"Post 'Geethanjali', I was flooded with offers to play the hero. On an average, I was reading about two scripts a day and by the time I had given my nod to 'Jayammu Nischayammu Raa', I must have easily turned down about 80 scripts," Srinivas told IANS.

It was through a friend's reference that he heard the script of Shiva Raj Kanumuri-directed "Jayammu Nischayammu Raa".

"When I met Shiva for narration, he told me actor JD Chakravarthy suggested me for this film. I was shocked because I have never worked with him and don't even know him personally. But I was curious to know why he thought this script would suit me," he said.

Srinivas says he couldn't agree more with Chakravarthy when he heard the story.

"We spent about half a day discussing the characters and I fell in love with the story. It didn't take me much time to realize the potential of Shiva, and his passion to make the film with his life's savings. He had a plush job in London, and he left that to make films," he added.

Even the budget shot up by three times. But Srinivas didn't let that pressure affect him nor the team.

"The confidence all of us had in the film didn't worry us about anything else. It only made us even more passionate and it pushed us to work harder," he said.

Does he want to continue playing lead roles?

"I want to be known as an actor. It's more important than going after the hero image. Even my Twitter bio reads that I'm an actor," he said.

"When director Koratala Siva recently saw the film, he told me that there are moments in the film that will elevate my image as a lead hero. I didn't consciously try to behave like a hero in these scenes. I just acted like I usually do," he explained.

The film also stars Poorna, Posani Krishna Murali and Krishna Bhagwan in important roles.