“Psych Siddharth Will Offer a Completely New Experience” – Says Sri Nandu
Young actor Sri Nandu is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Psych Siddharth’, backed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media. Directed by Varun Reddy, the film is jointly produced by Sri Nandu and Shyam Sunder Reddy under the banners Spirit Media and Nandunes Keep Rolling Pictures. Promoted as a youthful entertainer packed with Mad Max–style madness, Psych Siddharth promises high-energy entertainment.
The film features Yamini Bhaskar as the female lead, while Priyanka Rebecca Srinivas, Sakshi Atri, and Mounika play key roles. The teaser and trailer have already received a terrific response. Scheduled for a grand release on January 1, the film is creating strong buzz. On this occasion, Sri Nandu interacted with the media and shared interesting insights.
You look very relaxed today?
Sri Nandu:
We just had a special screening in Dallas, and it went houseful. The response was phenomenal. That has made me extremely happy and calm.
We see an emotion in you that we’ve never seen before. What’s the reason?
Sri Nandu:
In my 18-year career, I’ve done many films. While working on some of them, I often felt the story could have been better, but I never had the space to express it. I wanted to test my own judgment—whether it was right or wrong. Psych Siddharth is a film where I completely trusted my instincts, trusted the director, and committed to the story as if it were my final destination.
When Suresh Babu garu believed in us, it felt like we had already won 90%. That’s when I truly felt my judgment was right. All these factors together created this deep emotion.
In Dandora, you felt like the main lead, yet you didn’t do much promotion. Why more visibility now?
Sri Nandu:
I loved the Dandora script the moment I heard it, and my performance received great appreciation, which made me very happy. But that film had many people handling promotions. This film needs me more, so I’ve been actively promoting it.
What kind of story is Psych Siddharth?
Sri Nandu:
At its core, it’s very simple. A boy gets cheated when a girl enters his life, and later, another girl comes in and helps him heal. That’s the basic line. But the way we’ve presented it is completely new.
This is a new-age film with a different screenplay and never-seen-before editing patterns. The first half feels very fresh and will strongly connect with Gen Z audiences. The second half will be unanimously liked by all sections of viewers.
You mentioned breaking clichés?
Sri Nandu:
Yes, we’ve broken many conventional storytelling patterns. Honestly, the first half feels like watching a video game. Gen Z audiences will deeply connect with it. Those who understand the first half will keep talking about it for a lifetime.
The second half is highly emotional and will connect with everyone. The heroine’s character is very unique. Overall, the film offers a completely new experience with very fresh content.
As a producer, didn’t investing your own money feel risky?
Sri Nandu:
There is always a calculated risk with money. But if I don’t trust myself, why should another producer trust me? God gave me an opportunity, and I felt I must give it my best.
I invested my own savings in myself. They say fortune favors the brave—I strongly believe in that. And that belief has paid off.
After the teaser and trailer, comparisons with Arjun Reddy surfaced?
Sri Nandu:
Probably because of the beard and the loud character traits. But once audiences watch the film, they’ll realize there’s absolutely no similarity with Arjun Reddy.
Despite Suresh Babu backing the film, you still seem tense. Why?
Sri Nandu:
For me, respect is more important than money. If money were the goal, cinema wouldn’t be the only option. I’ve stayed in this field for 18 years, done many films, and received appreciation for my acting—that gives me satisfaction.
The praise I received for Dandora gave me great confidence. Now, as a solo hero, if people say I can stand strong on my own, it will give me fresh energy to run for another ten years.
Tell us about director Varun Reddy.
Sri Nandu:
We share a great friendship. Initially, I planned to do a different story, but the moment Varun narrated this one, I loved it. That’s how our journey began. We worked with complete creative freedom, discussing every detail and moving forward only after everyone was satisfied.
How many industry people have watched the film so far?
Sri Nandu:
Veterans like K. Raghavendra Rao garu, Sai Rajesh garu, Anudeep garu, and Nimmakayala Prasad garu have watched it. Everyone gave positive feedback. Raghavendra Rao garu especially loved the film, which came as a pleasant surprise.
Rana Daggubati was very active in promotions?
Sri Nandu:
I’ll be indebted to Rana garu for life. He worked incredibly hard for promotions. We shot nearly ten videos. Wherever Rana garu was, we traveled there. His support is unforgettable.
(Laughs) If I have to put it clearly—
First half belongs to Rana Babu, second half to Suresh Babu!
About Yamini Bhaskar’s character?
Sri Nandu:
She’s a trained classical dancer with a strong Telugu-rooted presence. We needed a heroine with emotional depth, and Yamini perfectly fit that feeling. After hearing the story, she connected deeply on an emotional level. She’s absolutely apt for the role.
As an actor, what did this film give you?
Sri Nandu:
I believe audiences will say, “Can Nandu really perform this openly?” This is the most wild and uninhibited character I’ve ever played.
How was 2025 for you?
Sri Nandu:
It was wonderful. My first production being brought out by Rana garu and Suresh Babu garu made me extremely happy. Dandora gave me a great name. I believe 2026 will also open on a fantastic note.
New Year plans?
Sri Nandu:
I don’t usually plan much, but this New Year will be completely occupied with Psych Siddharth promotions.
New Year resolution?
Sri Nandu:
I want to focus on doing good films and ensure that every producer I work with reaches at least a break-even point.
Upcoming projects?
Sri Nandu:
I’m doing a new film with Vennela Kishore and Viva Harsha, directed by Praveen, who previously worked as a writer with Anil Ravipudi garu. The film will go on floors from January 17.
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