PremiumSiddhu Jonnalagadda interview - Tillu Square will surely exceed expectations and the hype created
Tillu Square is the sequel to Siddhu Jonnalagadda's blockbuster hit, DJ Tillu. The comedy caper will be released on March 29, 2024, and has Anupama Parameswaran as the female lead.
Siddhu Jonnalagadda
Last Updated: 02.29 PM, Mar 26, 2024
Tillu Square is all set to hit the screens on March 29, 2024. The main lead, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, talks to us about his role, roping in Anupama Parameswaran for such a bold role, expectations froom the project, and his newfound star status in Telugu cinema. Here is the transcript.
DJ Tillu made you an overnight sensation. How do you feel?
I have been in the industry for the last 14 years and have gone through so many ups and downs. I take the stardom as a gift for all the struggles I faced in my career. The way people call me by the character name Tillu wherever I go is heartening. But at the same time, now that Tillu Square is gettin ready for release,I am nervous to see whether the sequel will live up to all the hype created.
Your contemporaries, Vijay Deverakonda and Vishwak Sen, saw success early but that is not the case with you. What is your take on this?
Yes, you are right. This has not happened with me because I did not get any author-backed roles early in my career. For Vijay, it was Arjun Reddy and for Vishwak Sen, it was Falknuma Das. It (success) happened late in my career with DJ Tillu and I have no complaints about it at all.
What do you have to say to those who label you as an interfering actor on the sets?
The problem arises as I also pen the scripts of my films. There are two concepts in this. One is leading the project and the other is surrendering to the director. When I act in a film and also pen the script, I decide to lead it in all departments. But when I am doing another director's film, I give in to their vision. So, a few people who do not understand this aspect have spread rumours about me.
Did writing naturally come to you?
I am aware that I have a flair for writing. But the more writing I did was only to keep myself in the game. As no one was penning scripts for me, I started writing scripts and penned DJ Tillu. In the future as well, I will continue to do so as my producers are looking at the writer and actor and want Siddhu as a package and I have no qualms about doing that.
Why is Vimal Kirshna not directing the sequel, Tillu Square?
There are so many assumptions that I have creative differences with him. But that is not the case. As he was busy with a big project when we started Tillu Square, we chose Mallik Ram to direct the sequel. I am in touch with him daily and will show him the film soon.
What can we expect from part 2 of DJ Tillu?
First, I want to clear up the misconception that Tillu Square is not the second part of DJ Tillu. It is only a sequel. My character remains the same and Tillu has bigger problems, a new girl to handle in his life, and how he gets into trouble due to Anupama Parameswaran's character. I am confident that all those who have huge expectations from the film will surely be satisfied.
Anupama Parameswaran's bold role has become one of the selling points of the film. What do you have to say about it?
When we launched the film, there were so many names put forward to play the female lead. The names of some big stars also came out but when I heard Anupama's name, I felt she was the right one to play the heroine. Be it her charm, glamour, or girl-next-door image, Tillu Square had enough scope for her to showcase her new side and we wanted such an actress and she fit the bill perfectly.
Are you nervous about the humongous expectations from Tillu Square?
Yes, I am. For the first six months since we decided to make a sequel, I was very tense and did not crack the idea. I took some time off and then started penning the story. I am very sure that even if the sequel is a big hit, there will be comparisons with DJ Tillu. So, it is a very tricky situation and anything can go wrong. As the release is nearing, I am getting more nervous.