Dev Mohan who made his debut in Sufiyum Sujathayum is playing King Dushyant in the mythological big-budget Telugu period drama ‘Shakunthalam’, directed by Gunasekhar, opposite Samantha who plays the titular role. Dev Mohan gets candid with Manorama about his Telugu debut.
How was your first big-budget experience?
Period dramas will always have a bigger canvas than other genres. The actors should have the look and bearing of royalty. When it comes to realistic films, you only need to behave normally. The biggest challenge was to look, walk and feel like King Dushyant.
What were your preparations for the film?
I watched a lot of mythological films and tried to imbibe the milieu and story. Learned horse riding in Hyderabad. I also did special training for fight scenes. Also took training to hold the heavy sword. And also learned some Telugu.
Tell us about Samantha and your experience working with her.
I am a fan of Samantha. I have always felt that Samantha who has a pan-Indian presence always planned her career ahead. I think she picks each character after a lot of thought. And the effort she puts in for each character is indeed inspiring. She isn’t someone who retires to the caravan after her scenes are over. She is involved in the entire film.
What can we expect from Shakunthalam?
It is an out-and-out love story. It is the story of Shakuntala and Dushyant which we have all read. Please don’t go expecting a Bahubali or Ponniyin Selvan. It is a film that will fill your heart. You can expect beautiful music, visuals, and special effects.