Interview: Varun Tej on ‘Operation Valentine’, comparisons with ‘Fighter’ and his learnings from a decade in cinema

Superhero collectibles dot the open shelves of actor Varun Tej’s office in Hyderabad. I’ve been learning to stay updated,” he says and adds that it does not feel like a decade since “the pandemic ate up three years.” Varun revived his reading habits during the pandemic. “Our story is inspired by the lesser-known backend operation.” Sony Pictures, which was keen on collaborating for another project with Varun that did not take shape, felt that Operation Valentine had the potential to be made in Hindi and Telugu. All the footage was sent to the IAF for approval; they would filter what needed to be deleted for security purposes.” Devil is in the details Since the film team was keen on getting the nuances right, from the pilots’ clothes to badges, designations and salutes, they had on set two personnel from the Air Force — a public relations person and a former radar officer. She has come from Dehradun to work here and has had a set of challenges and I have had mine.” Varun was keen that the relationship should not affect how the film industry perceives Lavanya, “I did not want anyone to think that because Lavanya is dating me, she will not work with a certain section of actors.” He mentions how at a recent media interaction he was irked by a question if Lavanya would continue to work after marriage.