Mouli started his journey as a YouTuber and digital content creator before moving into acting through a web series. He became popular with 90s – A Middle Class Biopicin which he played the character Raghu. He later made his debut as a lead actor in Little Heartswhich became a sensational hit and made Mouli Tanuj Prashanth a familiar name among audiences. Now, he is gearing up for his next film, DNAwhich is scheduled to hit theatres on November 13. The film was originally titled Donga Naa Kodukubut the makers changed it after the CBFC objected to the title.
“We thought the CBFC wouldn’t have any objection to the title because Donga Naa Koduku is a commonly used phrase and has been used in films as well. However, they objected to it, so we decided to go with DNA,” says Mouli, who reveals that he faced considerable pressure during the release of his debut film, Little Hearts. “At that time, we were not even sure whether the film would get a proper release. But Vamsi Nandipati long and Bunny Vasu long stepped in and ensured that the film got a good release.”
However, he shares that the situation is different with DNAwhich is backed by Mythri Movie Makers. “But I do feel the pressure about audience’s response,” says Mouli, who has been on a promotional spree across Andhra Pradesh. Speaking about the response he received, he says, “People connected with me a lot after Little Heartsand the response has been amazing. Promoting the film in Vijayawada was a nostalgic experience for me. I started making my first video there seven years ago, and now I have returned to the same place to promote my film.”
Describing DNA as a complete entertainer and saying his character is someone looking to make easy money, Mouli says, “My character gets involved in a robbery to clear his debts, but things take an unexpected turn, and he faces several problems. How he gets out of those troubles forms the story.”
The film features Ali and Rajitha as the parents of Mouli’s character, and the young actor shares that the presence of these veterans enhanced DNA. “Interestingly, this is the first time Ali long has played a father on screen. Rajitha long‘s experience also helped us a lot. The scenes featuring the three of us have come out very well,” he says.
When asked about reports of his involvement in the film’s making and whether he had a role in the direction, Mouli clarifies that he did not interfere with the director’s work. “No, I was never involved in the direction department. The director came with the script, and we did not change anything. We went ahead with the story as he narrated it,” explains Mouli, who reveals that he was actually more interested in understanding the production process. “Mythri Movie Makers is a big production house, and I wanted to understand how it functions and how its day-to-day production activities are handled. I always want to learn new things, and this was a good opportunity for me. But that doesn’t mean I am going to start a production house now. I just used a learning opportunity.”
When asked whether he had any plans to turn director, Mouli reveals that filmmaking was actually the reason he came to Hyderabad. “I came to Hyderabad with the dream of becoming a director, but now I have become an actor. Directing a film is a huge responsibility, and it is not an easy job. I am happy with my acting journey at the moment. I am interested in direction, but I don’t have any plans to direct a film right now,” he says.
Mouli also talks about the pressure of choosing scripts now that he has started receiving more opportunities. “I keep wondering whether I am choosing the right scripts. Sometimes, when I say no to a film, I ponder whether the decision was right. That creates some pressure. Also, I am very polite when saying no, and I explain to them why the subject didn’t align with me,” says Mouli, who shares that he does take suggestions from a few close friends, but the final decision is certainly his. He adds that the story still remains the most important factor while selecting a project.
When asked if he would branch out from comedy entertainers, Mouli says, “If someone approaches me with an out-of-the-box story and feels that I am the right person for the role, I am ready to do it. The idea should be convincing. If the director believes the subject will work and I feel the same, I will definitely explore a different genre.” The actor also reveals that he attended workshops before both Little Hearts and DNA because preparations can help actors understand their characters and build a better rapport with their co-stars.
Comparing his experiences on Little Hearts and DNAMouli says he is in a slightly more comfortable position now, mainly because of the production support. “Though there are budget constraints, I am a little more comfortable with this film. But every film is important to me. We need to learn new things with every project and try to offer something different to the audience. The scale of this film’s release is also bigger compared to my debut film,” he says.
Finally, talking about the much-awaited second season of 90s – A Middle Class BiopicMouli says the project depends on director Aditya Hasan. “It is in Aditya’s hands. Whenever he is ready, I am ready to be part of it. Everything depends on the director,” he concludes.