Venu Thottempudi: Ramarao on Duty helped me get over a regret that I couldn’t dub for my earlier films

Venu Thottempudi as an actor has his own set of limitations and still made a mark in Telugu cinema in his strength areas briefly - family dramas and comedies. Some of his films like Swayamvaram, Chirunavvutho, Pellam Oorelithe, and Hanuman Junction turned out to be huge successes in the early 2000s but he ran out of luck eventually. The best part about Venu is that he remained aware of this all along and knew when to step back.

After a series of supporting roles in films like Chintakayala Ravi and Dhammu, he’s back in an action entertainer - this week’s release, Ramarao on Duty. “The gap wasn’t intentional and I was very occupied in my family businesses. I didn’t have time to think about cinema and politely rejected the film offers that came my way. Watching several movies and shows during COVID-19 rekindled my interest to act and Sarath Mandava approached me for Ramarao..”

He instantly liked the story and his character, CI Murali, in particular. “It was very interesting and I hadn’t done a role like this before. The genre is a first in my career too. I’m happy to be making a comeback in Ravi Teja’s film. The reach will be huge and audiences will know I’m back for good. I always had a regret that I didn’t dub for my films before and Ramarao..helped me get over it too. I thank Sarath, Ravi Teja and Sudhakar Cherukuri for giving me this chance.”

The Swayamvaram actor always enjoyed doing multistarrers - he reminds us that he took up Hanuman Junction right after Chirunavvutho. “It’s great fun to work with an ensemble cast. Hanuman Junction was like a celebration. It’s wonderful that I and Ravi Teja came together for Ramarao on Duty. He is a simple, down-to-earth person. It was a memorable experience.”

Fitness has been something that Venu has always taken care of. Not much has changed in him from Swayamvaram to Ramarao on Duty as a result. “I eat on time and don’t have any habits that would affect my health. I stick to home food more often than not and I am blessed with good genes.” Venu hopes to take up projects regularly henceforth. He is part of Chai Bisket’s upcoming production and is in talks for a web show too.