I had a good time to choose wisely, says Viswant Duddumpudi

Actor Viswant Duddumpudi, who made his debut with the 2015 film ‘Kerintha’ has played a cricketer named Nandu in the recent blockbuster ‘Jersey’. The young and talented actor has shared screen space with Natural Star Nani in the film and there’s a lot of brother hood that pours in between Nandu and Arjun played by Nani. Audience found it very interesting to observe the transformation of Nandu, who changes from an arrogant guy to meek. Of course, it is all because of Arjun who talks to Nandu’s girlfriend about the support of loved ones in critical situation. She is a writer by profession, who gets fed up with the behaviour of Nandu and the relationship. There’s a progression in his character throughout the film as he finally realizes her worth. Looks like Viswant connected with the story of ‘Jersey’ right from the beginning. He has stolen the show by playing Nandu with such charisma and joviality.

In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Viswant Duddumpudi gets candid about the success of 'Jersey', his working experience with Nani and Sathyaraj, choices of roles and much more. Excerpts from the interview.

I call him ‘Nani anna’ (Brother Nani), because I felt he’s very close to me. We played cricket many times together and I think that sort of approach broke the initial ice between us. It was a game and we were involved in it. He is super chilled out and when it comes to performance he did it with ease. I wasn’t afraid of sharing screen space with such a great star as he is a down-to-earth bloke with no airs. It wasn't easy for me to pull off the role, but I did it with a lot of hard work. By far I think this is one of the best teams I have worked with.

I’ve known Gowtham since his directorial debut ‘Malli Raava’. I was damn impressed with the positive reviews of the film upon its release. And I was very excited and told to my friends that I appreciated it. We discussed a couple of days regarding the film. When I was looking for good offers, the ball came to my court. Then it seemed to happen all of a sudden. ‘Jersey’ started rolling and I found it he was brilliant in his craft and the way he handled things are pretty good. Also I found he was a natural writer with whom people can connect pretty easily. There is no too much of drama and nonsense in his films. In ‘Jersey’, he tried to show how real life characters behave, and they are deep and intense personality traits. After all that hard work, he deserved his reputation.

It was an honour to work with him. I have been pretty lucky with getting offers alongside big actors like Mohanlal garu and Sathyaraj garu in the very early stages of my career. We know that the both were well-established actors and they have a special place in the hearts of people. Since they are well grounded, I’ve learnt how to grow and how to stay here. Sharing screen space with Sathyaraj garu was an opportunity that I was willing to act beyond that. Performing with a senior actor like Sathyaraj garu will help establish myself in the industry.

And also the cinematographer of ‘Jersey’, Sanu John Varghese, who earlier handled Kamal Haasan starrer ‘Vishwaroopam’ and a couple of Bollywood films is a person to mention. Anyone who works with him will fall in love with his work. I’m his huge fan. He is one of the coolest DOPs I have worked with.

It’s completely fruitful. The success of ‘Jersey’ proved me that 2019 is a good year to do so. Post ‘Jersey’, there’re are two good films I’m starring in and I’m sure I will get more offers. I think my lean phase was over as I had no offers in 2018. And I don’t think that was a lean phase as I had a good time to choose wisely. After ‘Kerintha’, ‘Manamantha’, ‘Crazy Crazy Feeling’ and now ‘Jersey’. I feel I have done really a good job with all my films.

At present, I’m very happy to play the lead roles in films. How do we feel so satisfied after watching a good movie? Well, just imagine, what would the feeling be like when we are part of that good film. It’s double the satisfaction. That’s what ‘Jersey’ gave me. I feel so proud to be a part of it. So, being a protagonist I would like to play challenging roles film after film. I’m really looking forward to play the role with some underdog action as I like a lot of underdog stories. So, let’s see.

I am very excited about my future projects.

‘Tholu Bommalata’ is a beautiful family drama that revolves around the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. We’ve already wrapped up the shoot. Debutant director Viswanath Maganti handled the things richly to enjoy. Dr Rajendra Prasad and Vennela Kishore are playing crucial roles in the film.

And next film is 'Kadal'. Set against the backdrop of Kakinada, this is a nostalgic love story directed by Kalyan, who previously helmed ‘Natakam’. I think it’s going to be a game changer for all of us. The film has music by Mani Sharma garu and cinematography by Anji of ‘PSV Garuda Vega’ fame.

And I have also signed a film, tentatively titled as ‘Priyuralu’ with director Rama Raju garu (Mallela Theeram Lo Sirimalle Puvvu and Oka Manasu fame). The upcoming film will go on to the floors once the shoot of ‘Kadal’ wraps up.