“Laila is an out-and-out youthful entertainer. It will be a memorable movie in my career”: A Q&A with Mass Ka Das Vishwak Sen

Vishwak Sen’s unique romantic action entertainer “Laila” is creating a strong buzz with its exciting promotional content. Directed by Ram Narayan and produced by Sahu Garapati under the Shine Screens banner, the film features Akanksha Sharma as the female lead and boasts chart-topping songs. “Laila” is set to hit the big screens on February 14th. Vishwak Sen recently interacted with the media in a Q&A session to share more details about the film and his experience working on it.

Q: We heard that you’ve always wanted to play a female character?

A: As an artist, every actor has certain roles they aspire to play. After watching films like “Bhamane Satyabhamane,” “Mayabazaar,” “Chitram Bhalare Vichitram,” and “Remo,” I always wanted to try a role like this. Also, the audience is looking for new stories and themes, and it’s been almost two decades since we’ve seen a film like this. No hero in this generation has played a female character in the past 20 years. I wanted to fill that gap with a good story, and that’s how this film came about.

Q: Which character do you like more: Sonu or Laila?

A: Definitely Laila. But you will become a fan of Sonu’s character too. Laila dominates the trailers and publicity, but when you watch the film, you’ll love Sonu’s character as well. In the first half, you’ll enjoy Sonu’s lifestyle and his character.

Q: Why does Sonu transform into Laila?

A: He faces three problems, and to overcome them, he transforms into Laila. You’ll have to watch it on the big screen to find out what those problems are.

Q: How long did it take you to get into the Laila getup?

A: It took almost two and a half hours. Makeup artist Nikki didn’t compromise anywhere. The lady getup looks very natural.

Q: The trailer seems to have a lot of adult content?

A: It’s not adult content. It’s youthful content, an out-and-out entertainer.

Q: What was your initial impression when you heard the story?

A: I enjoyed it immensely while the story was being narrated. I felt like, “Why not give this kind of laughter to the audience?” I usually listen to all my film stories very seriously, but this time, I really enjoyed it.

Q: How did you feel when Chiranjeevi garu mentioned your “compound” comment at the pre-release event?

A: I was very happy. I thought it had ended there, but Chiranjeevi garu also mentioning my intention made me very happy. We should all support each other. Ultimately, we have to give good films to the audience. We are all driven by the love for cinema.

Q: How did you feel writing lyrics for this film?

A: I told the director I would write the lyrics and he could use them if he liked them. He ended up using them. I enjoy writing.

Q: We heard your family was surprised to see you in the Laila getup?

A: They enjoyed it a lot. There was a lot of teasing and leg-pulling. My mother-in-law and my mother even came to the event wearing matching sarees. (laughs)

Q: What about Meenakshi’s character?

A: Her role is very surprising. She acted wonderfully. Abhimanyu Singh’s character is also very new. It’s a very different role in his career. Apart from these two, there is another surprising actor in the film. You will also enjoy Gulla Dadda’s character.

Q: How was it to fight in the Laila character?

A: You can imagine how difficult it is to fight in a saree and high heels. We did it in style. The audience will enjoy it a lot.

Q: How was your visit to Mopidevi Subrahmanya Swamy temple?

A: It was amazing. There was no landing permission until midnight the previous day. However, by the grace of Subrahmanya Swamy, we got clearance at midnight. Subrahmanya Swamy himself called me there. The response in Krishna district was wild. People were shouting at the top of their lungs.

Q: What about producer Sahu garu?

A: Sahu garu is a producer who understands cinema. He was the first one who believed I could do this character. We will continue our journey in the future as well.

Q: What’s the best compliment you received for “Laila?”

A: The best compliment was when Chiranjeevi garu said on stage that he was tempted to play a female character. I made “Laila” with the belief that it will be a memorable film in my career.

Q: What about your next projects?

A: We are introducing the actors for my next film at the end of this month. We will be starting a funky movie immediately.