Suhas on ‘Ambajipeta Marriage Band’: I don’t think I have worked this hard for any film

Actor Suhas opens up on the Telugu film ‘Ambajipeta Marriage Band’, the story of which has been partially inspired by events witnessed by debut director Dushyanth Katikaneni. The film also stars Sharanya and Shivani and will release in theatres on February 2

“I can never be slow and steady,” says actor Suhas with a hearty laugh when we begin this interview. His new Telugu film Ambajipeta Marriage Band, directed by newcomer Dushyanth Katikaneni, will arrive in theatres on February 2. His previous film as solo lead was Writer Padmabhushan, which released in February 2023.

The actor explains that the one-year gap was unavoidable and not a reflection of him taking one cautious step at a time. His hair had to be tonsured for a particular portion of Ambajipeta… and he had to wait till his hair grew to shoot for other films. Prior to the completion of Ambajipeta…, he had to tonsure once again to film for a few patchwork scenes. “After completing this film, I shot for other films and there will be more releases this year.” 

Suhas has been travelling to different pockets of the Telugu States to promote his film and has barely had time to let the feeling of being a new father sink in. He and his wife, Lalitha, were blessed with a baby boy recently and he began touring for promotions barely a day after.

He first read the script of Ambajipeta… during the lockdown and reveals that around 50% of the story was inspired by what the director had observed in Godavari district. “Some of the incidents are inspired by what he faced, a few others occurred around him and the rest of it has been fictionalised and dramatised. When I read some of the scenes that happen at the salon and during the climax, they gave me an adrenaline rush and I was eager to begin working on the film,” Suhas recalls.

Dushyanth had worked as a chief assistant director for Dear Comrade and Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya, in which Suhas played supporting characters. All of Suhas’ films as solo leads — Colour Photo, Writer Padmabhushan and Ambajipeta… — have been with first-time directors; he had known them as assistant directors or during his short-film days as part of Chai Bisket’s YouTube channel.

He can be brutally honest while listening to stories narrated by friends, says Suhas. “I am point blank when I think certain portions or scenes are not written well. Likewise, they tell me upfront when they don’t like my performance. We are honest among friends. I might be diplomatic with others.”

His next few films are also with debutants, he reveals. Suhas finds it amusing that he is often asked why he risks his career working with new directors. “A debut director is determined to give his best to a film since his career depends on it. So I think it is a safe option to work with newcomers.” Further, Suhas explains that all these directors know their craft since they have made short films or assisted established directors. Occasionally, he does not hesitate to gently reassure them when they come under pressure on the sets.