PremiumVarun Tej interview - 'Operation Valentine will shock you with its grandeur and action'
Varun Tej is ready with his new film Operation Valentine which will hit the screens on March 1, 2024. In a detailed interview, he speaks about the film and what to expect from the Air Force drama.
Last Updated: 02.06 PM, Feb 28, 2024
Varun Tej's Operation Valentine is all set to hit the scenes on March 1, 2024. The mega hero talks about the film, the comparison with Fighter, the failure of his films, and future projects. Here is the transcript.
Operation Valentine is your Hindi debut as well. Are you nervous?
Yes, I am quite nervous but am also confident that our film is very strong in content and will be loved by one and all. I learned Hindi for two months to get my diction right. A tutor came from Mumbai to teach me Hindi. As I was aware of Hindi and being a Hyderabadi, it did not take me much time to learn the language. Even I am very eager to see the reaction of the Hindi audience and I hope they like my film.
About the inception of Operation Valentine?
Our director Shakti Singh approached me with the script in 2020. I was supposed to do a film with SONY but somehow that did not happen and this project fell in place. As I was also looking to make my Pan-India debut, I felt Operation Valentine would be the perfect film to expand my reach in the country.
What's your take on the similarities between Operation Valentine with Hrithik's Fighter?
I am aware of the hype that is being created around this topic. We came to know about Hrithik's Fighter halfway through the shoot of Operation Valentine. Though the film is based on the Pulwama attack, the way we have narrated with solid emotions is going to be different. We also showcased the film to a few Air Force officers and they loved the film. When it comes to Telugu, this subject is new and will be loved by the audience.
What is your take on the failure of Gandeevadhari Arjuna which was also an action drama?
Gandeevadhari Arjuna had it all but the characters were not that strong. The audience did not connect with my character much despite there being action and drama. For a film to click, the audience needs to connect with the protagonist and that did not happen with Gandeevadhari Arjuna or my other flop films.
Will such posh subjects like Operation Valentine be liked by the regular masses in Telugu states?
Why not? The audience in Telugu states is changing big time. They are hungry for new content and if narrated in a proper cinematic manner with the right emotions, they will surely lap it up. Such an Air Force drama has never come out in Telugu and this makes Operation Valentine quite special.
Did the mega family heroes watch the trailer of the film? What's their take?
My entire family supports me in whatever I do. They loved me in the role of an Air Force pilot and are waiting to watch the film on the big screen. My uncle, Pawan Kalyan watched the trailer four to five times back-to-back and appreciated it big time. We will arrange a special show for him if the time permits in the days to come.
Are you not tired of experimenting so much?
Not at all. The moment I entered the industry, I came up with a plan that I was not going to do these regular commercial dramas. That is the reason, each film of mine is different from the others. For me, the story and the genre should attract me. The audience is changing and there will surely be a time when my films will talked about the most and will be ahead of their times.
Future Projects?
I have already started shooting for my next film Matka which is based on gambling. I play a don in the film which is a rural drama set in a very unique backdrop. I am also in talks for a few Hindi and Telugu films which I will announce soon. For now, I am eagerly waiting for the response of Operation Valentine and I am sure the action and grandeur will shock the Telugu audience.