Naga Chaitanya Embarks on Epic Mythical Journey with Vrushakarma
Telugu star Naga Chaitanya is deliberately shifting gears in his cinematic journey. In recent years, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility by moving across diverse genres with clear intent. He portrayed constable Shiva in Custody, a cop on the run protecting a crucial witness. He took on the role of journalist Sagar in Dhootha, a character drawn into a dangerous spiral of prophetic warnings. Most recently, he embodied Raju in Thandel, a fisherman wrongfully jailed in Karachi after accidentally drifting across the maritime border.
Vrushakarma: A Massive Pivot into Myth and Spectacle
His upcoming film, Vrushakarma, signals another significant pivot, this time into the realms of myth and grand adventure. In an exclusive conversation, Chaitanya opened up about building the film's expansive world, shaping his character Arjun, and why this chapter feels distinctly different in his evolving career path.
"After a series of intense, grounded roles, Vrushakarma feels like a massive pivot into myth and spectacle," Chaitanya confirmed. "Yes, it's a mythical thriller. Director Karthik Varma Dandu's strengths are firmly rooted in this genre, as audiences witnessed with Virupaksha. What will truly stand out is the film's immersive world. We conducted extensive shooting on a massive cave set and also constructed a huge Mysore arena set. The film is mounted on a large scale with significant VFX work, designed from the ground up as a proper theatrical spectacle. In terms of sheer scale and production value, this is undoubtedly my biggest film so far. The visuals will be unlike anything our audiences have experienced before."
Becoming Arjun: The Treasure Hunter
Chaitanya plays a character named Arjun, who is a professional treasure hunter. "This is the first time I'm exploring this adventurous space," he shared. "It involves a tremendous amount of adventure and dynamic action sequences. Arjun is a very unique individual—he carries a lot of attitude, and is inherently carefree and gutsy. These character shades are very new for me, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the process of exploring them."
When asked how Vrushakarma differs from Dhootha, which also dealt with themes of prophecy, Chaitanya explained the broader narrative canvas. "This film travels through time—spanning from centuries in the past to the present day. It revolves around certain ancient predictions that Arjun and others stumble upon. Following these cryptic predictions leads them to something monumentally huge and entirely unexpected. That revelation is designed to be a major theatrical high point. The layered mythical subtext adds a profound additional dimension to the entire film."
Conviction Through Passionate Narration
The actor revealed that director Karthik Varma Dandu's detailed vision was a key factor in his commitment to the project. "When Karthik narrated the script—a process that took nearly five hours—he detailed everything meticulously, from the intricate sound design to the complex VFX sequences. When a filmmaker narrates with that level of passion and crystalline clarity, it gives you immense confidence that they can translate that vision effectively onto the screen. That conviction was ultimately what convinced me to take on this challenging role."
Intense Physical and Emotional Preparation
Portraying a treasure hunter demanded significant preparation, given the role's inherent adventure, risk, and physicality. "The film is intense both emotionally and physically," Chaitanya noted. "Playing a treasure hunter required a different kind of action choreography—leaning more into adventure than straight combat. We wanted Arjun to possess an athletic, functional physique because the film includes extensive action sequences with a distinct action-adventure approach. A special, comprehensive workout regimen was meticulously designed for this purpose."
"It incorporated strength training, swimming, and yoga, all while maintaining necessary muscle volume. As we approached the climax shoot, I followed an exceptionally strict diet. I also worked intensively on Arjun's specific body language, unique styling, and overall screen presence. After portraying more rooted, realistic characters recently, this project allowed me to stylize the look more freely, which was genuinely exciting."
Overcoming Significant Filming Challenges
The shoot presented substantial tests for the actor. "The physical challenges were particularly significant. We filmed in extreme, demanding conditions. The first 20–25 minutes of the film take place entirely inside a vast cave, and filming in that environment was not easy. There is a considerable amount of high-octane action, especially leading into the climax, combined with extensive VFX integration. With complex VFX sequences, we often had to perform each shot multiple times with precise consistency, which was mentally and physically demanding."
Collaborating with a Thorough Director
Chaitanya praised director Karthik Varma Dandu for his meticulous approach. "He is incredibly thorough and deeply values rehearsals. He's highly collaborative and openly welcomes discussion. Before principal photography began, we travelled together with his direction team and spent several days dissecting the script line by line. We shared our thoughts freely and pitched ideas on how Arjun's character should be shaped and nuanced."
"On set, his dedication was evident. He once presented me with about 100 in-depth questions about my character's motivations and backstory. We answered them separately and then compared our notes. He is flexible in his collaboration but remains exceptionally clear about his overarching vision. He stands out as one of the most thorough and prepared filmmakers I have had the privilege to work with."
Evolution of Craft and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his growth from his debut film to his current standing, Chaitanya acknowledged a continuous learning curve. "From where I began to where I am now, I definitely feel I've grown and learnt a tremendous amount. But there's always more to learn and new heights to reach. Every film teaches me something valuable, and more than anything, I genuinely love what I am doing. The industry landscape has transformed, especially post-COVID, and audience tastes evolve rapidly. As actors, filmmakers, and directors, we must remain dynamic and adaptable. My own approach to selecting scripts and building characters keeps evolving accordingly."
As he approaches a milestone with his 25th film, Chaitanya shared his primary professional aspiration. "My focus is to be remembered by my character's name rather than my own. When audiences walk out of a theatre calling you by your character's name, it signifies that the role has authentically connected and resonated deeply. That's the impact I'm always striving to create with my work."
