‘Operation Valentine’ will impress everyone and make them emotional: Varun Tej
Mega Prince Varun Tej’s most awaited air force actioner ‘Operation Valentine’ is up for worldwide release on March 1 in Telugu and Hindi languages. Directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, the film is produced by Sony Pictures International Productions and Sandeep Mudda. There are high expectations for the film as the teaser and trailer impressed the auidence. Varun Tej spoke about the film in a press conference. Excerpts here.
How did the ‘Operation Valentine’ project begin?
Director Shakti Pratap Singh approached me with this story in 2020. I liked the story very much. I was supposed to do a film with Sony Pictures earlier. But it didn’t take off due to some reasons. When this story was sent to them, they liked it. They are also making war backdrop movies. This is content with national appeal and a well-planned film made with a very grand budget. Although the director is a Hindi-speaking person, he has the intention to make the film in Telugu. After Sony Pictures came, we decided to do it in Hindi as well. We shot every scene in Telugu and Hindi.
Isn’t it a challenge to make such a war backdrop film with a new director?
Director Shakti Pratap Singh has a lot of passion. He did a lot of research for this film. The short film he did earlier went viral. Even the Air Force officers were surprised to see it. They said that when they want to make a film on this, they will give the necessary information.
Why was the war movie titled ‘Operation Valentine’?
On February 14, 2019, 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. The Indian Air Force conducted an operation to take revenge on the enemies who caused it. These surgical strikes took place on February 14. Since it happened on Valentine’s Day, this attack was planned as a return gift to the enemy.
Aerial war involves a lot of VFX, right? Did you find it challenging as an actor?
I experienced VFX for the first time during the movie Athariksham. It felt a bit awkward when the green screen was shown and the moon was there (laughs). I will be seen in the role of Rudra. The director has designed my character very amazingly with the inspiration of some real air fighters. Everyone connects very emotionally with the character of Rudra.
How did it feel to do it in Hindi?
I took classes for Hindi for two months. I paid special attention to diction. I have practised giving emotional dialogues well. When a scene was first shot in Hindi and then shot in Telugu, Hindi dialogues would also come in between (laughs) and they would take a short break and do it again.
How did Pawan Kalyan react to you doing the movie Operation Valentine’?
After the release of the teaser, Baba was met. He doesn’t talk much about movies. Good, good.. His reaction is already there. I have seen his ‘Operation Valentine’ teaser five or six times. Very good. You look very good as an Air Force officer. It gave me great joy to say, ‘I am looking forward to watching the movie.’ He rarely says this. Baba likes movies like this.
How is the movie ‘Matka’ going to be?
In Matka, I am doing a character that has scope for more performance. It is a good commercial revenge drama.