Sunny Leone, his birthday gift

Actor Manchu Manoj, who turns 30 today, says he’s getting his birthday gift: A movie with sexy actress Sunny Leone. Guess what? Peddannayya Manchu Vishnu is producing it under the 24 Frames Factory banner. With a title like ‘Current Theega’ and a co-star like Sunny, we know who is going to generate that electrifying effect on screen.

This will be Sunny Leone’s debut in Telugu. So is the film’s team planning to cash in on the oomph factor of the sultry siren? “I would say not at all! In fact you will see her in a traditional avatar through the length of the film. This will be different. She isn’t just going to be seen in some item number!” Oops! That does come as a surprise. But Sunny Leone without the chutzpah does seem a bit out of place? “Wait till you watch the film. Though it is a cameo, it will be something crucial for the film and will be loved by the audiences.”

‘Current Teega’ will be the next for the actor after his stupendous comical outing in ‘Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda’ which was a complete family affair. “My performance in the film was appreciated… especially my enactment of a woman. I have been experimenting in all my films and I am loving it.”

So is he in a happy place in his career now? “Yes, of course. The only reason I became an actor was to try different roles and I think I am doing it. For instance in ‘Current Theega’ I play a village lad with lot of spunk. My character is that of a boy-next-door. It’s full of fun and masti. It’s a rough and tough character.”

Excited about working with director G Nageshwara Reddy, who had worked with older brother Vishnu for ‘Denikaina Ready’, Manoj says this is “the best team ever”. Apart from acting Manchu is known for involving himself in other aspects of filmmaking too. But the actor says this time he’s “just chilling with acting and not doing anything else”. Why not? “Earlier there were budget issues… the directors couldn’t deliver what they planned and exceeded the budget. So I had to become invovled. The director is the captain of the ship. He should have clarity and know what he wishes to see in the end.”

‘Current Theega’ also stars Rakul Preet playing the female lead and Jagapathi Babu in a key role. The film is set for a release in August.