Buddy is Allu Sirish's latest film, which will hit the screens on August 2, 2024. The film has caught on all over, and Sirish speaks about the film, his role, the conflict of a teddy bear, maintaining a low profile, and future plans.

What's your take on everyone saying Buddy is the remake of Arya's Teddy?

The only similarity between the two films is that they are produced by the same person, Gnanavel Raja. Apart from that, there is no similarity between the films. Though the presence of a teddy bear is there, the backdrop, story, and subject matter are totally different. My film Buddy has a very entertaining premise and will impress the youth and family audience in a big way.

Working with the likes of director Sam Anton?

Sam and I have been in touch for the last five years. We always wanted to collaborate on some film or the other but things never materialized. But when the project Buddy came up, Sam came to me and narrated the film. I had so many doubts and watched Arya's Teddy as well. Only when I was confident that both films were different I okayed Buddy. Sam has showcased me in a superb manner and his narrative will engage the audience big time.

Tell us about shooting with a teddy bear.

A massive teddy bear was created from scratch. The film is about a teddy bear who comes to life and changes the life of a hero. Shooting with a teddy bear was a bit difficult as there was a lot of CG work added in the post-production. The teddy would speak and give expressions, and all that would be added later. So imagining the teddy speaking to me and giving reactions was a bit tough initially.

About doing action for the first time in your career?

I always wanted to do an action film, but as my image was more soft, I was never offered action dramas. This was also one of the reasons to do Buddy in the first place. There is action on a stylish note, and we have not exaggerated things and kept the fight scenes relatable. I hope the audience will like me in my new avatar.

Is maintaining a low profile a strategic move that you made?

I feel that my films need to speak. Though I am an extrovert, I keep myself away from all the film gatherings. I only choose a few and attend them. There is no special plan or a PR agency that guides me to keep a low profile. I am only seen when my films come out. Earlier, I used to be active on social media, and now that I have aged a bit, I feel there is no need to be seen all over.

About the highlights of Buddy?

Buddy has a very relatable premise. The presence of a teddy bear in the narrative happens in an organic manner. The reason for its entry, the relationship with the hero, and what is its actual motto to come to this world are all packaged in a very entertaining manner. Buddy does not have one scene that looks forced. Everything happens organically.

Future plans?

I feel that I am a bit slow in my career, and I will make up for it in the days to come. I will be seen in more films in 2025 and the plan for the same is on as of now. Also, I want to do more experimental films that are rich in content. I feel this is the time, one should try even OTT content as well. Let's see what happens.