Naveen Chandra: In Month of Madhu, I play a man who fails to look past his youthful illusions

Month of Madhu, Naveen Chandra and Swathi Reddy’s second collaboration after Tripura, is releasing in theatres this Friday. This is also the former’s sophomore project with the director Srikanth Nagothi after Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna (on aha). In an interaction with scribes ahead of the film’s release, Naveen Chandra shared why he holds the project close to his heart.

Also read: Naveen Chandra's Month of Madhu is a matured take on love turning sour over the years 

“My earlier film with Srikanth Nagothi earned a lot of praise. While we thought of doing another project soon, I had my hands full with web shows and many films. When I reached out to him a while later, he told me two story ideas - I liked Month of Madhu among them. I felt it would be interesting to play such a character and the film went on floors immediately,” he shared.

Naveen plays Madhusudhan Rao, a role rooted in reality in the film. He’s treated like a hero by his near and dear in his younger days but most lose touch later, occupied with their own lives. However, Madhu finds it hard to move past his youthful illusions, falls prey to alcohol and is disinterested about working under someone. He’s purposeless, doesn’t take responsibility.

“We all notice how people praise others to great heights even if one doesn’t deserve it. We come across many people who live in that illusionary world, Madhu is one among them. I took up this film based on the story. It’s a special project for me,” the actor added. The title is named after two characters - Madhumathi and Madhusudhan Rao.

Also read: Month of Madhu trailer: Naveen Chandra, Swathi Reddy in a sweeping drama on love, relationships

Madhumathi plays an NRI girl who’s raised in the US and is quite independent, modern in her thinking. After getting accustomed to life in US, she finds it difficult to adapt to realities in India. The film also throws light on the cultural clashes she faces while she returns to India. Both the ‘Madhus’ forge a bond in one month, which alters their lives forever.

Swathi plays a simple, traditional Telugu girl in the film; there’s pain in her characterisation, Naveen stated. The film has a wide range of characters and focuses on their highs and lows. “I am quite occupied as an actor now. Six films of mine (as a lead) are gearing up for a release. And there’s Shankar’s Game Changer. I am getting varied roles and of course, I’m not complaining!”