Samantha Akkineni awaits the release of 'Jaanu' on February 7. In this interview, the star actress talks about the challenge of remaking a classic, reprising Trisha in the remake, working with Sharwanand and director Premkumar, her upcoming web-series 'The Family Man 2' and more.

Limited star cast

The entire story revolves around the two main leads. Unlike my previous movies in which the cast was large, 'Jaanu' is a total contrast. It's all about the performances of the male and female leads. As such, there is a risk factor.

Gave my 100 percent

'Jaanu' is essentially a team work. Right from the day I started shooting for it, I felt magic on some level. That feeling stayed with me during the entire shoot. In a way, I have already succeeded because of this movie. I gave my 100 percent. I hope the audience, too, will feel the magic.

Didn't show interest in 'Jaanu'

I didn't meet with Trisha during or before the making of 'Jaanu'. When I watched the original ('96', in which Trisha played the female lead), I didn't know that Dil Raju garu had bought the remake rights. In the original, Vijay Sethupathy and Trisha were amazing. More than the former, I loved the performance of the latter in '96'. It's true that I did say on Twitter that '96' shouldn't be remade by anybody. That's why I didn't show much interest in the remake even after Dil Raju garu contacted me. I gave some excuses for avoiding to meet him because I am sure I wouldn't be able to say 'No' to Dil Raju garu. Initially, my response to his offer was that I will think about it. After doing the film, I have realized that I would have missed out on a great film had I not done it. I would have regretted it.

Haven't imitated Trisha

I haven't tried to ape Trisha. Since I had watched '96' only once, I didn't get influenced. Copying her performance wouldn't have worked out for me. I analyzed the script and enacted my role in my own way. Director Premkumar has commented that my performance is different as compared with Trisha's. Unlike the Korean film 'Miss Granny', which was remade as 'Oh Baby', '96' has been watched by large sections of Telugu audeince. It's a classic. Remaking it was always a difficult job. But since director Premkumar is the one who had helmed '96', my faith in 'Jaanu' has always been high.

Not just for youths

'Jaanu' is not just for youngsters. Everyone will love it. In performing my character, I not only contemplated the script but also learned about my character's back story. I used to discuss each scene with my director.

Complementary performances

Since 'Jaanu' is essentially about just two characters, the performance of Sharwanand and mine were interdependent. We prodded each other to give our best. I can't imagine any other actor but for Sharwanand in the movie. But for him, the magic wouldn't have been recreated.

Money is never a factor

Playing challenging roles ensures a place in the audience's hearts. I might not act for more than 2-3 years. I want the audience to talk about my performances/films long after my retirement. I haven't done any film till now for the sake of money. I have worked for reputation. I have always wanted to play characters that will connect with the audience. Money has followed my work.

Those films were investments

When I accepted 'Rangasthalam', I didn't know the entire story. I knew only about my character. Doing films like 'Eega' early on in my career helped me a great deal. They were like an investment for my future. I give my cent percent to every character that I play. I see every film of mine as my first attempt. I was tensed ahead of the release of 'Oh Baby'. Once I get to know the talk for my film, I get disconnected from that film completely. I and Naga Chaitanya have known each other for more than ten years. He has always been supportive.

On 'The Family Man 2'

You are going to see a new Samantha in 'The Family Man 2' (web series). I have worked quite hard on it, including on action sequences. Doing them has taught me how hard heroes work for action scenes. I had got trained in fights for the web series.