‘Vykuntapaali’ is a Movie that makes a ‘Difference’ May 27, 2011 18:48
Anil Gopi Reddy Director – Music Director of the film ‘Vykuntapaali’ releasing today, Anil Gopi Reddy talks to Andhrawishesh team about ‘Vykuntapaali’, the starcast and his contribution to the film; AW: So, how do you feel about your first film as a Director being released today? Anil: oh! Please don’t ask me. Only I know how nervous I am feeling. Someone said it right, a film for a Director is like a Baby for a Mother. My baby is ready to come out today. (Laughs) AW: How did ‘Vykuntapaali’ happen? Anil: though I was a Music Director by Profession and worked with many Music Directors, being a Director has always been my passion. Infact, the story of ‘Vykuntapaali’ came out of that passion itself. I did not want to make any other regular film. I want people to think, after seeing my film. I want to pass on a message to the society with my film. This made me to write a script like ‘Vykuntapaali’. After I was all prepared with the script, it was no one else more than I could connect to the film. And this made me to compose even the Music scores of the film. AW: Tell us about the Star cast? Anil: well, I first approached Ranadheer (Happy Days fame) with the story. He really got impressed and introduced me to his friends Bhuvaneshwar Marem and Satya Deep Reddy, who later turned out to be the producers of the film. Apart from Ranadheer, Krishnudu, Ajay and Tashu Kaushik play the lead roles in the film. I approached Tashu to act in the film, through a social networking site. ‘Vykuntapaali’ is a Team effort. AW: A single female lead and three male leads. Opposite whom would Tashu Kaushik be seen in the film? Anil: I can’t reveal this. But, I can say, ‘Vykuntapaali’ is a message oriented film. The story revolves around three guys who have their own Idea of leading their lives. Now, who would succeed amongst the three and who is a failure and why, has to be seen on Silver Screen today. Even Tashu has a very prominent role to be played in the film. AW: you are a Director and Music Director of the film. Was it difficult to manage two tasks at a time? Anil: I infact wanted to produce the film, apart from Directing and composing music. I feel stories like ‘Vykuntapaali’ that are not regular, are a bit risky from a producer’s perspective. So, I wanted to take the risk. But, my friend Ranadheer suggested me to concentrate only on making the film a best one. He and his friends took the responsibility of the entire production. AW: the film is releasing today. How do you think the Audience will accept this? Anil: I would urge the audience to come to watch ‘Vykuntapaali’, absolutely with no expectations. Trust me the audience amount invested in watching a good film will not be wasted. I would like to mention one thing here. When well noted editor Marthand K. Venkatesh (who is a Editor for ‘Vykuntapaali’ also) was editing the film, he just looked at me and said ‘As a Director you have succeeded. Now, how the audience will receive this film, you completely leave this on the audience itself’. I consider this to be one of the biggest compliments of my life. AW: Anything else you want to convey to our readers? Anil: I would urge all the readers to stop encouraging piracy. It is nothing but killing the entire film Industry. If you have to watch ‘Vykuntapaali’, watch it in the theater with your family. We promise, the film is a 100% paisa vasool. With this the Director resumed to watch the Morning show of ‘Vykuntapaali’ in theater. I have come back to share this chat with you. After watching the film, I will be back again to give a review of ‘Vykuntapaali’. Hope the film would be a Paisa Vasool.
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I had a Big Argument with Dil Raju May 18, 2011 20:10
He is a Hot cake for Telugu and Tamil film Industries. Right from the Director, to Heroes, to Producers wants him to be a part of their films. His calendar for the Entire year of 2011 is filled with films. He is none other than most wanted Music Director Thaman.S, while he just took a small break from his re recording work for his upcoming film ‘Vyshali’. Catch a quick chit chat with Thaman. S that Andhra Wishesh Team Had.AW: Hi Thaman.Thaman: HeyAW: So, how’s life going on?Thaman: Hmmm, full of work. But yes, I am definitely enjoying it and have been waiting for this movement since the age of 8.AW: Since the age of 8? Please explain.Thaman: well, I have come to this Industry, when I was 8 years old. My first film was Nag starrer ‘Hello Brother’. I have joined as Koti Sir’s assistant with this film. My passion for music alone drove me towards the Industry, from then onwards, I have worked with legends like Manisharma Sir, Director Shankar Sir. In fact, while acting in the film ‘Boys’ I was more into composing tunes and making them listen to Shankar Sir. He has given me the first opportunity as a Music Director.AW: First opportunity?Thaman: Yes, ‘Vyshali’ is my first film as a Music Director. In Tamil the film is named as ‘Eeram’. Shankar Sir is the producer of the film. The film is directed by Shankar Sir’s assistant; Arivazhagan Venkatachalam is the director of the film. After this film, I got popular in both Tamil and Telugu Industries. AW: Tell us more about ‘Vyshali’ the film is going to be released on 27th of this month.Thaman: ‘Vyshali’ is not a feel good film. This is a film with lot of change over’s in it. It is Suspense – Horror film. I would request the audience to watch this film without any expectations. Then all of you will definitely like it and at least for a day after watching the film, all of you would stay calm. AW: If ‘Vyshali’ is a Horror – Suspense film, then why those two sensuous and romantic track in it?Thaman: well, I can’t reveal this now. But yes, all the songs in the film are definitely situation based.AW: You have been continuously composing music since your first film Jayeebhava. So, how do you plan for a change over from one film to another?Thaman: I don’t plan anything in particular. But yes, I would definitely keep in mind the story, the situation on which I am composing a song, and most important, the Body languages of the lead stars. Also, I would keep in mind that I am here to work for those film makers who give me money and ask me to make best of the music I can. So, you can see the output.AW: Tell us how your career graph was?Thaman: amazing. I feel lucky enough to be surrounded with so many good people. Everyone recognized my work and encouraged me with excellent opportunities. Right from Ravi teja to Nagarjuna I have composed music for many happening heroes in Tollywood. AW: We heard that, this year’s calendar of yours is full of new projects?Thaman: Oh, yes. As of now ‘Veera’ and ‘Vyshali’ are scheduled for release. I am composing for Mahesh’s ‘Dookudu’. I have also signed for Mahesh’s next ‘Businessman’ and some more films are under discussions. Apart from this I am doing some interesting projects on Kollywood too, one of them being ‘Dabanng’ remake, Starring Simbhu.AW: Tell us more about ‘Vyshali’.Thaman: I will share a incident with you. Vyshali is a dubbed version of Tamil film ‘Eeram’ that means water. When the discussions were going on about the film’s title in Telugu, I literally fought with Dil Raju Sir as I asked him to title the film, that meaning would sense water. But, in Telugu this was not possible, so he changed the name of the Heroine of the film to Vyshali and ended up putting the same title. And even the Hero Heroine, Aadi and Sindu Menon have given extra ordinary performance. It would be a excellent come back for Sindu menon.AW: Finally, what do you have to say about Music, Being a Music Director?Thaman: Music is a soul of everyone. It mesmerizes us, changes our mood, makes us dance, make us dream, and even heals our diseases. I personally can’t live without music.With this the Music Director resumed back to his work and we to upload this chat to you. But one thing I learnt from Thaman is, no matter how successful you are as a person, it is very important not to forget from where you have come.
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Sukumar latest Talk May 16, 2011 19:35
A Director of his own “logic”He is a Director, who has logic to every point he tells. Even audience also accepts this logic of him by making his every film a huge success. It could be One Side Love, guys aiming to become a Rowdy, My Love is Gone or proving ‘Infatuation’ as a True feeling that Love. All this is only possible to Director Sukumar. Andhra wishesh team had a quick chat with the ‘100% Love’ Director. Good see such a Big Director, with cool, calm and Down to earth nature. Here is some chit – chat for you too;AW: Hi Sir, congrats on the success of ‘100% Love’Sukumar: Thanks. Thank you very much.AW: So, tell us how did “100% Love” happen?Sukumar: I always liked the thought of a Boy and a girl studying together. Infact, when I was in my Intermediate, there were a Sister – Brother I know who used to sit and study together. With this point I have written ‘100% Love’. Since this is a film, instead of Brother – Sister, I have changed the relationship to ‘Baava – Maradalu’.AW: Every film of yours has a point in it. And Audience will also receive it most of the times. How to you feel about this?Sukumar: I feel happy. And as far as the point that I project in my films is concerned, it is nothing but my passion towards films, because of which I look at things from a Different perspective. Many times, it is a success and some times it is a failure. Before writing even a single dialogue, I only look at it from the Audience perspective. Because end of the day, the films are for audience.AW: Sir, these days, ‘Item Songs’ are like compulsory. Even in your films, right from Aarya to 100% Love every film has an Item song. Why Sir?Sukumar: I do not know about other Directors, but in my Films, Item Songs are purely for Mass Audience. I create a situation for a Item Song. Today, a film is not just for any particular class of Audience. That is the reason my films strive to be overall entertainers. AW: So is 100% Love. Sir, how did Allu Arivind ji reacted when he heard the story?Sukumar: irrespective of age, Arvind ji is one such film maker who always wants audience to watch and enjoy ‘fresh’ films. When I told the story to him, I have taken round about 100 titles to him like ‘Balu – Swapna’ types. Infact, the title ‘100% Love’ was my last option. Surprisingly, Arvind ji liked the title and 100% Love today is a 100% success, because audience also liked it.AW: We wanted to know, how did you highlight the feeling of ‘Infatuation’ in the film Sir?Sukumar: people won’t accept. But the reality is that only ‘Infatuation’ is a true feeling when you see a opposite person, first. All these affections, understanding, love come later. I did not mean that all these are not true. I only meant ‘Infatuation’ is true. And I feel even audience meant the same after watching 100% love.AW: Every film of yours has Logic in it that projects every point in a different way. Do you apply this logic of yours in real life too?Sukumar: (Laughs) No. till now I have not made any such experiments. Life is all about emotions. People like to see some thing different on Silver Screen, so come these Logics. AW: Ok, Tell us something about your Music Director DSP.Sukumar: well, Devi and I think similarly. Even before I don’t complete narrating a situation, he comes up with a tune. I feel there I and Devi share a proper understanding that is required between a Director and a Music Director.AW: If given a chance, on which film of yours you want to re – work?Sukumar: it would be Aarya. My first film. When I compare my Direction, from then to now, I feel I have made a lot of mistakes in Aarya that I want to rectify.AW: Tell us one such hero in tollywood you want to work with?Sukumar: oh! Please don’t ask me this yaar. It’s very difficult to answer this question.AW: Ok Sir, do you want to tell anything to our AW’s readers?Sukumar: Well, if you do not watch 100% Love, then you are missing 100% of your life.
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Nag is Passionate on Multi-Starer Movies December 17, 2010 15:02
“We can say the style of a particular hero by watching couple of his movies. We can also expect as what kind of movie he will do in future. But our King and handsome hero Nagarjuna is beyond everyone’s expectations. He shows diversity in every movie he does. He is a romantic hero for youth and has most female fan following compared to any other hero. He is King for mass audiences. And like patent to roles like Annamayya and Sri Ramadasu. So finally he is a versatile actor always interested and daring to do something new and different. On his birthday this handsome Akkineni hero had a chat with us…When it comes to birthday, it reminds us the past one year and things we did? How was your year?Undoubtedly memorable. If I put my movies aside, my son’s movie ‘Ye Maaya Chesave’ has given me 100% satisfaction. I am happy that Naga Chaitanya has tasted his first success. Now he is busy working for couple of movies.Its obvious that Akhil’s cricket performance in Tollywood T20 has made you fly in cloud nine, rite?Ya it was fun filled moment for me. Everyone from the team has done very well. There is nothing special to mention about it. (Chuckling). But yes, I was very happy with Akhil’s performance. He is crazy about cricket and took special training for it.It looks you are busy with four films this year?Yes…my fourth movie would be ready for release till my next birthday. First ‘Gaganam’ will hit the screens. Later I am doing one movie under Veeru Potla’s direction and another one ‘Rajanna’ under the direction of Vijayendra Prasad. One with R.R.Movies banner and one multi-starrer bilingual with Tamil hero Ajith. So I am packed for this year.You have been doing only one movie for year, why did you accelerate?While I was doing only one movie for one year, it is taking more than a year to complete. Audience is getting bewildered and had to wait for my movie. On the other hand directors come to me saying that there are no dates of heroines. Then I had to wait. And suddenly one day the directors come and say that they’ve got dates of heroines and ask me to get ready for shooting. Everyone is behaving according to his or her own will. I did not like this. So I increased my number of movies in a year. Now everything is under control.Tell us about your current projects.'Gaganam' is a brand new thriller full of entertainment.The movie with Veeru Potla is a complete commercial film filled with action. And coming to ‘Rajanna’, it is fabulous script. The story is highly inspirational. S.S.Rajamouli would direct the action part of this film. And the movie with R.R.Movie Makers is highest budget film in my career. These four movies are completely different from one another.No matter what kind of movies you do…audience still wants to see you as a romantic hero.How is it possible? You can’t ask me to attend college holding some books in my hand. I accept only those roles, which justify my age. Then I will definitely romance happily.We heard you are making ways towards Tamil film industry?It is not a new thing happening. Basically I am fond of multi-starrer flicks. But there is no such atmosphere here. Meanwhile I have got Ajith’s movie and I couldn’t I resist doing it.Why are we not making multi-starrer movies?Well I am also unaware of the reason as why we are not making multi-starrer movies. I have been listening from media that there were no perfect scripts that could give scope to make multi-starrer flicks. Seriously, no actor has come forward to do a multi-starrer movie till date. If a couple of heroes come forward to do this kind of movies, and give their call sheets for a six months or one year, definitely there will be good stories coming.Akkineni trio has agreed to do multi-starrer with Krishna Vamsi. Is it your passion for multi-starrer that made you to accept project?You can take it in any way. But I believe that we are going to make a good movie. People often mistake that there will be fluctuations in the importance of the roles played by the heroes. There is nothing like that. We are going to act with my father. He never tolerate if there is any confusion in his role.As a senior hero, how do you review the present Telugu cinema market?Its in confusion. I never say that there are not good movies coming. A movie will be successful if you make it on only one particular hero. If you make the same kind of movie on another hero, it turns out to be a disaster. We feel it hard to run after the changing tastes of the present youth. 70% of the producers in our industry are not young. I guess it will take another 3 or 4 years for the situations to settle down.You have been No.1 in supporting new talents. To what extent they are utilizing their opportunities?Some are better utilizing, while some are making blunders. It is not their mistake. Basically the age is like that. They think that they are bosses for themselves. I too was same in my young age. I never used to obey my elders and seniors.Do you think piracy alone is responsible for film industry’s downfall?Not completely but yes there is lot of loss due to piracy. Piracy is not allowing audience to visit theatres more than one time. They prefer to watch it at home than in theatre. It is the reason we are releasing a movie with a huge number of prints. The movie is said to be successful if it gets huge collections in the first week of its release.Producers are struggling to cut down the production costs. Do you think it is possible?We must make it possible, if not there will be threat to our survival.If a reel of 10 minutes story goes waste, then there will be a loss of absolutely one crore. We have to have a perfect strategy before hitting locations i opine.
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RamGopalVarma on KSD February 16, 2011 16:17
You can’t generalize the audience: RGVRam Gopal Varma on KSD : Appalraju is at his usual best – smart, funny and whacky at the same time. His next film, Katha Screenplay Darsakathvam: Appalaraju is going to release on February 18. Earlier today he interacted with the media where he spoke a lot about his film, the way he works and why you can’t make films for everyone. Here are some excerpts from the interview.We hear that KSD Appalaraju is a satire on how film industry functions, but it’s in a way the absolute truth of how the industry functions, isn’t it?I wouldn’t say it’s a satire. You can call it a situational comedy, but even then, all the characters are serious in their own way. Everyone has their own agenda here. The point of view of each character is as real as Appalaraju and they are all right in their own way. And I am not taking sides with Appalaraju either. You can’t find fault with a producer who believes that a commercial element will work in favour of the film at box office.Do films usually turn out the way you want them to? Or do you let them take their own course??It works in two ways. A film is a series of decisions that you take over a long period of time. And right from the time when an idea strikes you till the product is complete, you don’t know how it’s going to turn out. Usually, the director is the last person to know all this because he’s involved in everything. All we can do is to just go by the instincts.You shoot your films really fast!I don’t shoot films fast; it’s others who are so slow. If you look at cinema all over the world, we (Telugu filmmakers) take the maximum time to shoot a film. Even a film like Gladiator was shot in 42 days.Do the actors have time to experiment at all when they try to adjust to your speed?Actors are always ready. If there’s any delay, it’s usually the cameraman, because he has to position the camera at appropriate angles, change lenses etc. And second could be because the director has no clarity of what he wants to do or maybe the script isn’t ready. But typically, it’s the cameraman.You keep coming up with a new idea every other day. Do you keep a track of what you areworking on? Are you very impulsive by nature?I keep thinking all the time. If I think of 50-60 ideas, you actually get to know only 2-3 of them. But then, I have to see what the practical problems are, if the project is viable or not before I take it forward. In case of Dongala Mutha, I got the idea one afternoon at 4:00 PM and I called by Ravi Teja at 5:30 and by 6:30 PM we were ready to announce the film!Emotional drama Vs Technology – how do you balance the two?Technology has got nothing to do with content of the film. It can only help you in narrating your stories, but it can’t enhance your content. Whichever way you look at it, they are two different functions. Technology can only help you to cut down on time and finances. For my next film I’m using five Cannon 5D digital cinema cameras to cut down the production costs. It’s easy to manoeuvre because of itscompact nature and we completely shot it in natural light in the regular shifts.You have never bothered about criticism. Will you be surprised if someone comes up to you to tell that he absolutely loved your film? In a way, you are not making films for people. Do you expect them to like what you do?You can’t generalize the audience. They are all so different in their own ways! For example, I have no idea what sort of films you like. The only thing I can do is to make the kind of films I like, which is what I mean when I say, “I make films for myself”! Now, out of desperation I can claim that I’m making a film which the entire family can watch. How can you make a film for the entire family? That’s the biggest joke in the world! But what actually happens is that, the husband would be ogling at the heroine, the mother would love the heroine’s saris; perhaps the kids would be so bored that they would end up cribbing about the whole film! There’s no concept of families, all are individuals. To each their own!What are your future projects?After Dongala Mutha, I’m starting Bezawada Rowdilu in March. And then I’ll start my bilingual film Department with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishekh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt in May. Perhaps in August, I will start my action-adventure, visual effects loaded film ‘Amma’. It’s based on a treasure hunt.
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Hero Surya's Raktha Charitra Interview November 29, 2010 12:27
Surya will make his Hindi film debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s Raktha Charitra, which also stars Vivek Oberoi. At the launch function, Surya thanked Aamir Khan for making him famous in Mumbai after playing his role in the Hindi blockbuster Ghajini.Rakht Charitra, inspired from real life gangster Paritala Ravi (played by Vivek Oberoi), who was assassinated in January 2005, by a death squad allegedly put together by his arch rival Suri (played by Surya).Suriya shared his part about the film.You are now in star in kollywood, how do you about entry into Bollywood ?It is a big platform. There are legends here. Indian cinema has always been referred to as Bollywood. Even though I am comfortable in the south, I hope to be accepted here. This is a new beginning for me. I would like people to like what I have done in Raktha Charitra and accept me.Why did you agree to debut in Bollywood with this film?Entering Bollywood was never my dream so I didn’t think too much of what my Hindi launch film should be. I have always asked Ramu sir to do a Tamil film. He refused saying he didn’t know the language and directing a Tamil film wouldn’t be possible.But when he narrated this script to me, I wanted to be a part of it. I was sure I wouldn’t get this chance again. And like I wanted, I’m taking Ramu down south with me — I am doing the same film in Tamil and Telugu.This is a good film to start my Bollywood innings. I have always believed in the characters I play, be it Kaakha Kaakha, Nandha or Ghajini. These films have been character-driven. I followed the same for Rakhta Charitra.There have been actors before, who failed to make a mark in Bollywood. Are you apprehensive?I am not quitting south cinema. I have done Rakhta Charitra only to try my hand at a different role. I am not looking at two Hindi releases every year. But I would love to do more Hindi films so I hope people accept me here.I cannot comment on actors who haven’t done well here. But actresses have been able to do well here. I guess they are smarter than men!Honestly, I don’t think actors push themselves to be a part of Bollywood. I haven’t seen anyone who has tried their best. It is just timepass or they do a film with a director they want to work with, and then return to their comfort zone.How did you prepare for the role, and overcome the language barrier?I just followed Ramu sir’s brief. I didn’t have to sit in a jail to prepare for the character.As far as the language goes, I used to run away from Hindi in school. I should thank our associate director Sahil, who helped me with my dialogues. He used to record my dialogues and I would listen to it the whole night before the shoot.The advantage was that we started with the Tamil version first and then did the Hindi and Telugu versions. So that made my life easy.What was the toughest scene?There’s a scene when I’m in jail. I have to tell my jail inmates that I saw my mother being cut into two, I saw my sister being burnt and could recognise her only by her necklace, I couldn’t even find my brother because he was scattered all over the place. Since all this has happened in real life, I kept wondering what this person must have gone through, what his mindset would have been and how he lived with all these memories.How was it working with Ram Gopal Varma?He is a very level headed person. I haven’t seen anyone clearer in his head. Even as actors, we ask for another take. But he knows what he wants. He has great knowledge of technology, camera and character-shaping.No one can be like him. No one can copy him, repeat his work or work like him. He has an amazing personality. I learnt a lot about cinema while working with him. You can ask him anything about cinema and he will have an answer.How was it working with Vivek Oberoi?We don’t have many scenes together — just one scene in the first part. It was amazing working with him. I had met him during the Tamil remake of Yuva. I played Ajay Devgn sir’s character in the Tamil film.What do you like best about Bollywood?The aesthetics, and the actors. I am eagerly waiting to see Dabangg. I loved the promos and Salman sir’s performance. I haven’t watched Peepli Live yet but I loved the promos.Seems you met Shah Rukh Khan?I have done ads with him.I have taken his autograph. (My wife) Jyothika is big fan. He spoke to her and her friends. He is very nice, humble and simple.Your film Kaaka Khaaka is being remade in Hindi. Did you want to be a part of it?I wish. But the rights have been sold. I am glad that my good friend John Abraham is playing the role.What next?My next Tamil film is Ezhaam Arivu (Seventh Sense) with A Murgadoss.Copyright 2010 www.kolly-theater.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed.
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Nandamuri Kalyan Ram Interview November 17, 2010 18:24
Kalyan Ram Nandamuri is known for variety and out-of-box thinking when it come to his movies. He succeeded in big way with Athanokkade movie and realised how he can create his own space in film industry. He is doing commercial yet different movies. His latest film Kathi is all set to release on 12 November. Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with Kalyam Ram Nandamuri -How did Kathi movie happen?I listened to the basic story in 2008 and okayed it. Meanwhile, Jayeebhava script got ready and we went ahead with that movie. Kathi is a sister-sentiment movie with ample action orientation.We had seen umpteen sister-senti films in the past. How different is Kathi going to be?I was also having the same doubt when story writer Vakkantham Vamsi came to narrate the story. Though it is a sister sentiment film, it will have a different angle to the main conflict point.What do you think has gone wrong with your earlier movie Jayeebhava?Jayeebhava is a template movie where the subject is same and hero is changed. I learnt two things after doing Jayeebhava. The first thing is that people expect something different when they come to watch my films. They doesn’t want me to do template movies. The second one is the orientation. After watching first half of the movie, the audiences expected high voltage action in the second half and couldn't appreciate the comedy-orientation in the second half. I don’t want to do any template movies in the future. I want to make sure that there is some thing different in my movie compared to other movies. The success of films like Athanokkade and Hareram vouch for it.Tell us about your role in Kathi?I am playing the character of Rama Krishna who is a football player. His goal is to play for the nation. He loves his joint family members and cares for them. The entire first half of the movie is jovial. His sister gets married and go to Rayalaseema. An unexpected twist of the tale forces Rama Krishna to travel to Rayalaseema and solve the problem his sister has got herself into unintentionally. The conflict point is neither dowry nor in-laws ego (which we usually see in sister sentiment films).Why did you title the movie as Kathi?Rama Krishna walks on razor edge situation in the entire second half. That is the reason why we titled it like that. Rama Krishna is also like Kathi (sword). A sword can be used for constructive and destructive purposes. When somebody tampers with his family members, Rama Krishna shows the destructive side of his sword.Tell us about the other characters in the movie?Saranya Mohan's character forms the base for the entire story. Shyam plays her husband. Sana Khan plays an important role of heroine in the movie. There is a small twist to her character. Ajay looks menacing in his negative role. Kota plays the positive role of father of Shyam.Tell us about the technical departments?Vakkantham Vamsi came with a good script which explores a different angle to sister-senti conflict point. M Ratnam penned dialogues for the movie. I have spoken most difficult and powerful dialogues in the movie. Ratnam’s dialogues took the story to next level. Sarvesh Murari did a fabulous job as cinematographer as the movie is going be a visual feast. He has also took a special interest in my make-up. I have a different get-up in the second half with toned body, dark circles around eyes, unshaven beard, shabby hair etc. Editor Gowtam Raju did a sustained editing as demanded by the subject.Tell us about the action sequences. The trailer gives a glimpse of well-choreographed action episodes?The action sequences in Athanokkade movie have got tremendous recognition because we wanted the fights to be believable at the same time shocking. I want my films to be different in terms of action sequences. If you look at the making trailer of Kathi, you will see a rotating vehicle which has a vehicle each going on the top and bottom of it. We have also shown how we did it in the making video. When I asked for the equipment to get that shot done from Mumbai, they quoted me a bomb. I sat down and used common sense and little bit of engineering. I went to city outskirts where they make body to the chassis of lorries. I observed it for 15 days about how they did it. I hired the right guy from there and made the equipment indigenously. It cost me 1/10th of what Mumbai guys charged to hire. A lot of thinking from ‘NTR Arts’ team has gone into action episodes of the movie. Audiences should be thrilled by watching action episodes.Mallikharjun directed your film Abhimanyu long back and now you gave him another opportunity with Kathi?Mallikharjun is a good commercial director. Though Abhimanyu failed to take off at box office, I firmly believe that Mallikharjun is a good director. He knows the pulse of commercial movies. He has clarity of what he is doing and he did an excellent work in Kathi movie. All he needed was a good support from the producer and we provided him with all the necessary inventory.How many days did you shoot the movie for?Kathi film was completed in 80 working days. Industry people didn’t believe that we finished the movie so soon despite having grand action episodes. The budget went little over because we didn’t want to compromise. The final runtime of the movie is 2 hours and 13 minutes.What can Telugu movie lovers can expect from Kathi?Kathi is a family-oriented movie. The sentiment scenes will be loved by female crowds. There are interesting action episodes in the second half. There is good entertainment as well. Please don’t miss the beginning of the movie. The climax fight of the movie has intelligence in it. Kathi will offer action, entertainment and sentiment.After looking at promos of Kathi, fans are expecting you to deliver another Simha?Let me put it straight. Simha is the portrayal of larger-than-life character which extraordinarily done by NBK babai. Films like Simha demand such kind of action episodes. Kathi is the portrayal of a boy-next-door who is caught up with a situation where there is no point of return. Hence the orientation should be different. Please watch Kathi with a fresh mind.What is your next movie?I am listening to various scripts. Will let you know once it is finalized.
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First love is Acting 2nd Direction November 04, 2010 16:30
Allari Naresh is an Indian film actor who stars in Tollywood films. He is the son of Telugu veteran director and producer EVV Satyanarayana. He got the tag Allari before his name after the success of his first film. "Allari" was a pursuit or you had interest to come into this film domain?To go with facts…I really have interest to make into this domain. I undertook acting course for around two and half years. "Allari" must have been done two years back…Ravi (Allari Director) and me are friends…the project got delayed, as there were no producers who approved the movie theme. In fact many have interests to take movies revolving and centering youth love. In the last the movie was done through "Suresh Productions".Your interest for film domain…was it from your childhood or covered your way in recent past?I am passionate about movies since childhood. My attendance to sets was much when judged against with school. I was free with everyone. I admire and adore this field very much. I couldn't accept anyone speaking low about any person belonging to film field - any editor, director…or anyone else.Your dad, E.V.V., is a renowned director. Did you ever think of making a debut in direction?My first love is acting and the next is direction. I am also interested in direction. I have to undergo and work under a director for some time to get to know least about the profession. This makes me get acquainted to any one particular style of the director I worked with…variety will be a rare chance. As an actor, I now have chance to work under many directors. I can now get an opportunity to observe many directors work. This field requires individuality and innovation much. I can later on bring up my own style.Can you say us briefly about your educational profile?I have completed Bachelors of Commerce in Foreign Trade.You received publicity only when the picture was about to be released to the theatres. Is there any specific reason for that?We have introduced Rajesh at the beginning of the year. We have given him enough publicity. Dad wanted to introduce me at the end of the year as Rajesh is being introduced at the beginning. "Allari" was started suddenly and Ravi Babu approached dad. Dad wanted to give a good publicity to me too. But as that was a low budget film, Ravi Babu explained to dad that he couldn't give me enough publicity. So there was no publicity at all at the beginning. I would be glad if people know me as me rather than son of a famous director. That would be me working hard for the movie and dad gets credit to all (He Laughs…). Anyway dad was busy shooting for "Hai" when I was doing for Allari. We shouldn't keep expectations on any movie. Sometimes audience won't receive even good movies.Got any Suggestions from dad….When working for "Allari", dad said me to listen to director and go accordingly. He said me not to involve into the direction while acting.What do you like in Ravi Babu?His direction is very sensible and fashionable. He doesn't prolong story and dialogues. A 100 word line condensed into 1 single word…this is Ravi's style. Ravi also handles camera. Even close ups were not taken stand still. He finished the film as an ad format. It was like working for a Hollywood production.How did you face the camera for the first time?I was confident enough for the first shot. They have given few dialogues to say. I have done the job and everyone there appreciated. But I felt I have done some memorization. I wasn't satisfied. At the same moment, many directors and producers said I am not fit for movies and suggested me to continue my studies. I made the negative points positive and proceeded. I was bit nervous though when on the first day there were many people around me. I thought not to take many shots for a scene.What were your feelings after you have seen "Allari"?Allari was a comedy film made for many range of audience. But few people made around that the movie is not good watch for females and children. Lately, everyone equally enjoyed the film and its comedy.What are your most liked scenes in "Allari"?"Pant Vesukoni Chokkaveskobothunte Maa Nanna Pilichadani Vachha" - a scene with this dialogue. And the other one is "Nenu ee intlo undanu…vellipothanu" - a scene at the end of the movie when Kota would beat me in a room. I enjoy these scenes when I watch the movie.How many times did you watch the movie?I saw "Allari" for four times.Seems you are choosing characters that have comedy touch….A person who can do comedy can do any type of film and can fix well in any character. Most of the films go with comedy. "Dhana Laxmi I Love You" is a remake of "Hera - Pheri"…you can think my character as a comedy villain in that. In "Thotti Gang", I react mostly to unusual things and keep cool to regular happenings. This character is enjoyable.You are acting in your dad's direction for the first time. What are your feelings about this?I am very happy for this. Though I have revered fear towards him. He always thinks as a director. When mom approached him to include me for "Thotti Gang"…he thought much about it and accepted. He never gave me a faintest chance as a son…I even felt for this. I was very much afraid if dad would tell off me in front of everyone if I do anything wrong I shoots. But I too agree with him and I feel that would help us to make the shot complete. I freely discuss with dad any issue regarding work. He is a very principled man. When I am done with work and just chatting around…he would always suggest me to prepare for the next scene. I am very much excited to work with dad. He never compromises for anything and explains me everything. He suggests me to do the scenes more perfectly. In Ravi's direction…he asks me to repeat the scenes directly. Even director Shiva Nageshwar Rao too.How are you enjoying "Shiva Nageshwar Rao's direction?Well…he has a small tendency. I don't know whether that's good or bad. But whenever the dialogue has to be delivered with more perfection, he always told me some jokes to divert the topic and then later on asked the moral out of it. He wanted me to implement the moral into the dialogue delivery tone. How ever serious the topic might be…he has ability to divert it fully and make people laugh. I am enjoying a lot in his direction."Allari" was a hit…but "Hai" by Rajesh has not faired well. Hit/Flop took place in the same house. How your family reacted about this?"Allari" was released first. That was a hit and we all were happy with the release. We never were concerned for "Hai" failure. Hits/Flops are part and parcel of goings. If this movie flops, the next movie will sure be a hit and vice versa. Everyone appreciated Rajesh's action, performance as well as his dialogues. The picture might have failed because of poor story base. Our mother has encouraged Rajesh and has given enough support to him. One has to face both sides of the cine world before establishing in the field.Can we expect Rajesh's and your duo on screen?That may likely to happen next year.How is your mother's support and encouragement to you?Mostly moms are bit problematic when compared to dads. In my family, my mother encourages us most. I had 11 pages dialogues to perform when I was in theatres. My mother used to explain me the essence of the historic words in the script. She had enough patience to sit with me and explicate the dialogues. Mom values this profession.What were your friend's comments on your first movie?We watched the movie on the first show of the release. From then on they started teasing me and commenting upon me. After seeing the entire movie…they appreciated my acting…that created for me a good image. My friends appreciated me for the first time.Any happenings that made your mood bright with joy…We were shooting for "Dhana Laxmi I Love You". A school bus was moving beside the shoot…and all of a sudden the children began calling my name and rejoicing with songs in "Allari". We all turned our heads to see them make a traffic jam and come running to me. They were with me for around 10 minutes. And there was water in my eyes…I was moved by the scene…I was then asked by one of the team members of the shoot for why I was crying…I never knew that I had water in my eyes till then. That's the most happiest moment in my life…very memorable…A director you are…. would you like to produce for movies in future?I should say that’s always better for a director to have his own banner. I would definitely like to produce movies and this may likely to happen in future. That’s a great difficulty to manage and please others. When I have confidence in the story, producing the same when no body is set to do helps me to get the complete essence from the story base…Any moments when you felt uncomfortable or uneasy…I never felt mentally uneasy. There was a problem though for shooting "Allari" in the last scene. I was badly hurt at the back while I was running behind the train because of few objects placed there. We completed the scene.Your most favored performers…I am fond of Telugu actors. Chiru's dancing, Nagarjuna's dressing, Rajashekar's face expressions, Venky's pleasantry wit and comedy, Mohan Babu's dialogue delivery, Venu's dialogue talks…I love them all. When comes to today's young heroes…I like Jr. N.T.R., Tarun…I like almost all of them…I am fond of Sharukh and Amir khan in Bollywood.Your leisure pursuits…I love watching movies. I see almost all Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, English movies. I hear music with soft melodies to fast beats.What type of feedback you received through industry people after "Allari"?I received calls of approval for my performance. I heard my dad talk to Chiranjeevi…he didn't see my movie though. But he said his son saw "Allari" and appreciated it...Are you naughty and playful when at home?Mischievous, frivolous and perky…most suitable adjectives to describe me. Though bit short tempered…I mix among people without any tugs. I am naughty always. And that would be the servants who have to bear me when no one at home.Your Date of Birth…June 30, 1980.
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My dream is to make mythological films November 04, 2010 16:05
In this cricket obsessed country how will one treat a player who makes a century every time he goes in the middle? One such treatment is being enjoyed by a non-cricket hero in Tollywood. What else can we say about the flamboyant director who gives nothing but hits whenever he claps for a movie. It was ‘Student No. 1’ that introduced the assistant director of K Raghavendra Rao to the movie world as a capable director. This success was followed by ‘Simhadri’, ‘Sye’, ‘Chatrapati’, ‘Vikramarkudu’, ‘Yamadonga’ ‘Magadheera’ and finally ‘Maryada Ramanna’. These films do not need any introduction and so is the director SS Rajamouli. If the husband is making such headlines, the better-half is not far behind. As a costume designer Mrs Rama Rajamouli has lent her skill to her husband in most of his movies and the peak of the contribution is seen in ‘Magadheera’ which has fetched her the prestigious State Nandi Award. Rajamouli directed ‘Magadheera’ was the highlight of Nandi awards by bagging as many as nine awards including the one for the best director. Ragalahari caught a few pleasant moments of this jubilant director who obliged by sharing a few thoughts. First time you and your wife, Mrs Rama, won the prestigious State Nandi awards at the same time for the same film. What are your feelings for that?I don’t believe in awards nor does my wife. So sincerely we have no special feelings for that.Did you expect these many State awards for your film ‘Magadheera’?I don’t think of awards when I work. My only aim is to make a good film which will not let down the producers, buyers and exhibitors. But because ‘Magadheera’ was the film where technicians contributed their best, we expected it would win laurels.What inspired you to direct a film like ‘Magadheera’? Can you tell us how it started?I always wanted to make films in mythological and folklore genre, but was afraid of budgets. This project provided me the support.We observe from your works that you are trying to make different films. What makes you think different unlike others who stick to a pattern?Each director has his own way of thinking. Personally I am scared that I’ll exhaust myself if I stick to only one kind of films.Right from ‘Student No. 1’ to the recent ‘Maryada Ramanna’, you have touched the genre of youth, romance, action, comedy, historical, etc. And now your latest project ‘Eega’ appears to be an animated film. How do you get these ideas?The ideas are always there. We have been discussing these ideas since about 20 years. They are bearing fruit now.When are you launching this project?‘Eega’ probably will go on sets by end of November. Right now I am working on the script.The title ‘Eega’ sounds pretty interesting. We are curious to know about it.‘Eega’ is a housefly. Apart from that you have to keep your curiosity at bay. (smiles)So the image of stars will not dominate in this film. Right?Whether a star dominates the film or not is the choice of the director. I felt that the stars should be highlighted in my previous films, but in ‘Eega’, obviously there are no stars.Besides the animated character, who are the other artists in the film?The cast is not yet finalized for ‘Eega’. I can’t do it until I’m ready with my script.What brought you to that subject, ‘Eega’?As I said earlier the idea is pretty old. It just took shape now.Is Walt Disney going to work with you to help develop this graphics oriented project?No. To approach Disney was just an idea. We never actually did.Your films have so much different style, be it ‘Sye’ or ‘Vikramarkudu’ or ‘Yamadonga’ or ‘Magadheera’ or ‘Maryada Ramanna’. Are you particular of that? When it comes to the style of the film I go by the story… whatever the story demands. I don’t do anything different just to make it look different.After ‘Eega’, what are you thinking about doing next?My project after ‘Eega’ is with Prabhas, which is going to be produced by Mr. Raghavendra Rao. It might be a full-length folklore.Who has been a major influence for you as a filmmaker?So many story tellers and filmmakers, but the major influence is Uncle Pai of Amar Chithra Katha and Mel Gibson.Nowadays there are quite a few youngsters making their debut in Tollywood. What would be your advice to them?I never give advices to anyone.Tell us about your new projects?I am starting my new flick as 'Eega'. The shooting for this new film will start next month. And after that I think it will be with Prabhas.We have seen some really extravagant episodes in films like “Yamadonga” and “Magadheera” which had a fantasy, mythology concept. Can we expect a full fledged film with a mythology backdrop from you?Yeah. That is the whole intention. My dream is to make a full fledged pauranikam, janapadam, folklore (or) mythological films.What are the constraints that challenge you from making a pauranikam..?Budget constraints. If 4 reels of Magadheera becomes the highest budgeted film, how can I make a 16 reel film within the same budget? That is a code which I have to crack and I think I will crack it soon.Your messages to the readers of Andhra Wishesh.com....?(laughs) I just said that I never give advices….but if you insist, then all I can say to the new directors is “Try to do a film which you like and not what others like.” Thanks for taking time to talk with us despite your busy schedule.You are welcome.
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Gaganam Dil Raju February 11, 2011 18:58
Dil Raju is known for sensible and different cinema. His latest movie Gaganam with Nagarjuna .He shared many details about his film Gaganam. Here are his words….Tell us how did Gaganam film happen?Prakash Raj narrated the concept of Gaganam during the release time of Aakasamantha. I loved it and we planned to produce it in Telugu (me) and Tamil (Prakash Raj) with in a combined budget of 5 crores.I had shown the preview of Tamil original of Aakasamantha to Nagarjuna. He loved the film. I asked him if he could act in Prakash Raj’s role so that I could remake Akasamantha in Telugu. Nagarjuna said that it won’t suit his image at this point of time. I approached Nagarjuna again to do the commando role in Gaganam movie. He got excited about the subject and asked me to prepare the full script with the treatment. We worked for 3 months and arrived at the final script. Radha Mohan, Prakash Raj, me, cameraman and dialogue writer participated in the script work. Nagarjuna was completely impressed by the script. He initially thought that it was going to be a serious film. But we incorporated lot of entertainment that generates out of the situations in the script. He gave a go-ahead. Since Nagarjuna came aboard, we made sure that the movie is made on a grand scale. What is the story of Gaganam?It is a hijack-based script. The story takes place in 5 days. People of various backgrounds and characterizations board a flight and it gets hijacked. This story has various aspects to it -1. Each passenger react to such a crisis situation in a different way.2. The reactions of the family members, relatives, friends who sent them off and who are about to receive them at destination.3. The Government reaction and the decisions it take. The deployment of the right people from air force and army to deal with the crisis.4. How media sensationalises the issue without realising the human angle in it.There is beautiful humor generated out of tense situation in the flight. Humor is going to be a major asset to the film along with the script.What is the reason for the delay in release?We started the film in March 2010 and wanted to release it by September. Since we had Brindavanam slated for September/October, we wanted Gaganam to release a month after Brindavanam release. Since Brindavanam got released in October, we wanted to release it in November. The Tamil film industry had too many big releases in November and Prakash Raj wanted to postpone it to December. We wanted to release on 3 December, and Nagavalli got released on the same day. We wanted to release it on 9 December, but Ragada was coming for 17 December and there was no big gap. Hence, we decided to release on 3 January, but the strike in Telugu film industry stalled our post-production activity. We wanted to release on 4 February and KSD Appalraju’s date was also confirmed on 4th. I asked them for a commitment that they will not release Appalraju for 11 February and they obliged. Finally, desided to release on 11 February. What is your gut feel on the movie?Prakash Raj saw the final copy of Tamil version on 5 February and said that Gaganam is like laddu. I saw the 1st copy of Gaganam.The final output of the movie is of great quality. We shot the movie in Red Camera and cameraman Guhan used various cameras to a great effect. There will be tension in the movie and at the same time there is nice entertainment. Gaganam is a visual treat.Tell us about the previews of Gaganam?I am going to show the premiere of Nagarjuna’s Gaganam to the press three days before the release. There will be premieres for industry people on the night of 9 Feb. Then we will travel in a chartered flight to Sangam theater in Vizag at 10:30 am for morning show. Then we will visit Geeta Apsara theater in Rajahmundry for 1:30 pm. After that we will go to Annapurna theater in Vijayawada at 4:30 pm. Then we will return to Hyderabad to attend a 4-screens premiere in Prasads multiplex during the time of first show. The second show premiere in Hyderabad will take place in Cinemax.You are showing premieres to press, industry people and the audiences well in advance before the release. Are you not afraid of negative talk it may generate?There are many misconceptions about the movie among the industry people and the people who closely follow the film for the following reasons -1. There are no songs, hence movie will not be good 2. There is no craze for the movie3. It will be like a documentary because of hijack subject4. Nagarjuna is doing a guest role5. It got postponed many times because Dil Raju is not satisfied with the outputAll the above mentioned things will be answered when we have premieres. I have shown the double positive of the movie to people of various backgrounds. I got the clarity that it will be liked by all sections of audiences. I want to break the norm and show it to all the people who matter.Are the Telugu and Tamil version going to be the same?Major part of the both these versions is same. But we edited/modified certain scenes in both versions to suit local sensibilities. The Tamil version will be of 2:08 hours runtime. The Telugu version is pacier and it will be having a runtime of 1:58 hours.Tell us about your next projects?Mr Perfect: Shooting of the movie is complete except for a 6-days shoot of songs. This movie is slated for March/April release. You will see a new Prabhas in the movie just liked we had a new NTR in Brindavanam. It is an youthful family entertainer. It represents the present mindset of youth who see not much difference between their life and career. They have become as calculative in their lives just the way they are in their careers. This movie addresses that aspect beautifully.O My Friend: Siddharth is acting again in our banner after Bommarillu. Venu Sriram worked with us since Arya and he is getting introduced as director with this movie. It will deal with the friendship aspect between a boy and a girl.
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My first crush is Nagarjuna October 27, 2010 11:26
Anjana Sukhani has come a long way, from a model in a Cadbury Dairy Milk commercial to one of the lead actresses in Jai Veeru. Basics on Anjana Sukhani : Anjana Sukhani was born on 10th December 1978. She was born into a Sindhi family hailing from Jaipur.Bollywood actress Anjana Sukhani, who made her debut as second heroine in Ravi Teja-Shriya starrer ‘Don Seenu’ is very excited about the success of her first film. On this occasion, the actress shares her experiences and views about the film and the film industry. Some excerpts:Introduction: Namaskaram, I’m Anjana Sukhani. My first film in is ‘Don Seenu’. Since you all have seen the film, I thank you for your wishes and blessings. Director Gopichand saw ‘Tashan’ and decided that I would aptly suit this role. That is how he contacted me and it got finalized very soon. Thus ‘Don Seenu’ happened.My character is a very bubbly and fun loving girl. In the first half of the film I appear in a very glamorous role and in the second half I will be seen as a traditional girl wearing Indian attire. It’s a fun loving character and at the same time a very strong person who supports her best friend Shriya. Shriya completes her education in overseas and comes back to India, rest is the story. About Ravi Teja: It’s a complete treat to work with Ravi Teja garu. I have heard of him but never seen him before. I first searched google by typing Ravi Teja and read a lot about him before I joined the shooting. And later working with him has become a very good experience.The shooting was like a picnic, going in the morning and coming back in the evening. The month long shooting schedule at overseas and the shooting at Hyderabad went on smoothly that we did not even realize the film has been completed. About Shriya: Shriya is a big star. Her heart is as beautiful as she appears. She is a very good actress. This platform being new to me, she gave a very good support and I found a good friend in her. I hope this association will continue forever.Glamour : Yes of course, why not. Doing glamour roles is not a bad thinking. But, Telugu cinema being more traditional, I wish to do a good traditional role as there is more scope for performance. Glamour of course is always there. I’ve done quite a few Hindi films before. ‘Salaam E Ishq’ with Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan, and some mixed stars like Juhi Chawla, Vidya Balan, Priyanka. This apart, Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Jashn’, ‘Golmaal Returns’, ‘Tum Mile To Sahi’ with Nana Patekar, ‘Jai Veeru’ with Fardeen and Kunaal, and my forthcoming film is with Sharman Joshi. I’ve good amount of Hindi films in my kitty, one Kannada film with Ganesh which became superhit and ‘Don Seenu’ is my second super hit film. So I hope to do the best here also. It is not necessary to do only Hindi films if you live in Mumbai. You can do a movie in any language because they are meant to be Indian cinema. Whenever we talk about cinema we talk about Indian film industry and not Mumbai city cinema or Hyderabad city cinema. So I wanted to do films in all languages and I hope I get an opportunity to work in Tamil as well. By doing films in various languages we get exposed to new people, new culture and new food (smiles) and this learning experience is very essential in life for anyone. That’s how I’ve learnt many things while working for ‘Don Seenu’ too. Fun Experience : Yes, one can experience lot of difference here when we come from Bollywood. South Indian Cinema is very disciplined and they concentrate more on the subject. But that doesn’t mean Bollywood lacks all that. But people here are very disciplined and punctual. They know to extract exactly what they want and how they want. Music masala is brilliant in south. Most of the technicians in Bollywood are from south, be it DOP’s or music directors. There is so much talent in south that some talent from North also should come to south and that’s why I’m here. Competition : Self competition is important for any artist. They have to compete with themselves to do better than what they have done before. But comparing themselves with others is not a healthy atmosphere.Hobbies: My hobbies are dancing, hanging out, reading books, watching movies and cooking. I’m a vegetarian so I like vegetarian food. Best tourist places in India are Kerala and Goa while abroad I like London because I did my education there.Favourite Actor: My favourite stars are Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan in Hindi, Surya and Vikram in Tamil, Ravi Teja, Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan Tej and of course I forgot to mention I also like Nagarjuna very much.First Crush: My first crush is Nagarjuna sir. He doesn’t appear like a 50 year old. He looks trim and fit in every way he is. He is a brilliant actor too.Favourite Heroine: I like Trisha a lot. She is very beautiful and her acting too. In Telugu, I like Shriya because she is also a very good actress. And I also like Simran, Jyothika and Bhumika.Any Love Affair: As of now, my love affair is with my work. I’ve to marry my work because my full focus will be on work. (Laughs)At Home: I live with my mother, father and big brother. My brother lives in London and my parents live with me in Mumbai.Education: I completed MBA and did master’s degree in foreign trade. Foodie : All vegetarian food from South like idly, dosa, sambar and of course vegetarian biriyani. First Income Spent on: I bought an LV bag which is very expensive. (smiles) This apart, I sent my mother to Dubai on a one month vacation. Money keeps coming and going.Believes in: I want to provide good work and acquire respect in the film industry. I believe in getting respect by doing good work. She concluded by saying a movie becoming hit is very essential in the film industry. We will know the people’s opinion on us through a hit film. When a person goes to theater and spends Rs 100 or Rs 200 on a movie, the money he spent should be that valuable. For my sake please watch ‘Don Seenu’ once again and make it more super hit.
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I look like a real pro October 27, 2010 11:00
She is just one film old. But Kaveri Jha is no novice when it comes to handle her professional life. She flies with Air India and has the finesse and charm to handle interviews for her first Telugu film ''Nagaram'', without being too overwhelmed by the tinsel ville glamour. She is candid and forthright while talking of her debut film and her future in the industry. Over to her...You are with Air India in Mumbai. How did a Telugu film Nagaram happen?I fly with Air India as cabin crew. But long before I joined Air India, I was into modelling. Here, I must thank my people in Air India for allowing me to pursue my passion of acting and modelling. Actually, I was lookin out for good Telugu films. I was quite attracted to the industry and had heard quite a bit about the stars here. My producers too were looking out for someone new. They felt I looked the part at our very first meeting. In fact, they confirmed that I would get the part the very first time I met them.A part of the movie is set in Mumbai. Was that a factor while choosing the film?Not exactly. First, I would go for the story. If I like it, then it is very important for me to know what I am doing and where. When I heard the script, I figured out that it was indeed a very good offer for a beginner. It was a very good platform for me to act as I knew I was getting good technicians, good music and a great part. Also, my co-star was good. I knew that the journey would be good, so I think these were the few reasons, why ended up doing the film.How did you manage your work and shoots?It was very difficult juggling work and shootings. There were times when I would just land in Mumbai, catch the plane to Hyderabad and then fly back immediately to get back to work. It is indeed very hard to take up two careers at a time. But I figured out that where there is a will, there is a way!How difficult was it to act in Telugu?Language is a huge problem. More so because we are acting and that requires us to emote and portray a character. If you do not understand a language then it becomes almost impossible to understand where to pause, where to pause and how much to pause. When you don't understand how a question is put, you do not know where to the expression for a question. These technical problems naturally pose hurdles in the whole process. But if you work with professionals, then it makes life easy. Also, I am good at languages. So, it was not really difficult to pick up my lines.I must give some credit to my team and co-stars as they had loads of patience. In fact, my director would do the lines with me and my cameraman would give me the right cues. I must say so of my co-stars too. It is their involvement that made my life much much easier on the sets.Now that you are a film old, do you understand some Telugu?Little. Honestly, it is too early in my career, to say 'Yes, I have picked up Telugu'.Tell us about your role in 'Nagaram'?I play this girl called Navya who is doing her PHD on gangsters and their lives. She is a smart, today's girl, who is not scared of getting what she wants. She is a confident girl, who knows that she is capable of doing what others do. She is ready to work for what she believes in. The best part is that she truly believes in love and she is not a calculated person who wants a well-positioned person as her lover. She falls in love with this guy who is a gangster and she tries to help him come out of that world. In between, comes Jagapati Babu, who also tries to help them. But things go wrong and there is lots of your usual action and melodrama.What according to you is the highlight of your character?She is a very sensitive girl who wants things her way. But she also knows that she has to work for it. She really wants to change the lives of other people. She very selflessly tries to help them.Then of course, there is my song, choreographed by Krishnavamsi sir. That is the highlight for me as it has been shot beautifully and I am looking really good in the song. It is his forte and he is a known perfectionist. So, he has given it his best and it has come out really well. The audience will remember it forever and the song is going to stay on in their minds forever.How was Srikant as a co-star?Ohhh.... Srikant was a pleasure to work with. I couldn't have asked for a better actor. Though he is at the peak of his career, he is the best. He is a senior actor as compared to me, but he never made me feel bad about being new. He would include me in conversations and was very patient even when I got my scenes wrong. He would show me how to do my steps during song sequences. And that I think was very nice of him, as it was not his job to ensure that I did it right. I was very fortunate to have worked with Srikant in my very first Telugu film.Tell us about your director...It is CC sir or director CC Srinivas, to whom I owe my performance to a large extent. He made sure I rehearsed my lines in such a way that I looked like a real pro. I looked as comfortable as I would look if I were speaking in Hindi or English. He had a very weird, different way of helping me learn my dialogues. He made it look like I was saying my lines without thinking, but that was surely not the case. Also, he knew how I had to look exactly and gave precise instructions to the make-up guys. As we say, a film is a director's baby... this one is indeed CC sir's baby.Any particular incident you cannot forget in your life, while you shot for the film...There is this one funny incident which I will never, ever forget. This happened when we were shooting for a song in Bangkok. For one particular shot, I had to run on the beach and get on to the back of Srikant. For this shot, we had to dripping with water and so the crew members would pour water on us. This was the song choreographed by Krishnavamsi sir. Once in between the shots, I thought I heard action and started running. So, there was this guy who had to pour water on me and he too started running after me. Poor Srikant did not know what was happening when he saw us running. Even before he could figure out what was happening, I fell on him and the guy fell on us. The whole unit was in splits and blamed me for the incident. So, it was the most stupid and funny incident during the entire shoot.What according to you, are the highlights of the film?There are a couple of scenes that are bound to draw the interest of the audience. Then it would surely be the screenplay. You simply cannot predict what is going to happen next. Of course, then there is the story. Not to forget the cast. Last, but not the least, my song. That will be the highlight of the film anyday. It wouldn't be exaggerating to say it is one of the best songs shot ever.Do you have plans to continue acting in Telugu or other south Indian films? Have you signed any film after 'Nagaram'?Yes, I do want to work in other languages. But I want to concentrate mostly on Telugu films. But it would be too early to speak of future. Let's see. There is an offer. But again, as soon as I am allowed to to speak about it, then I will let you know what is coming up.In the long run, if you had to choose between acting and flying... what would you choose?Acting is my passion... I had always wanted to be in front of the camera, so much so that I am addicted to it. I can stand in front of a camera forever and ever. In future, if I had to make a choice, then I will give up flying for acting.Was it easy, getting a break?There are different levels of struggle -- for example, some people sleep on platforms and then make it big. Some get cast and then are eventually rejected. But I have been lucky so far. I managed to get my breaks without too many rejections. But I have to watch how my career goes in future.What would Kaveri do in her free time?I like going out. I am not the partying kind. But I am a outdoor person. I would any day read a book out on a beach rather than at home. Mostly, I take my car out and go out for a drive, go shopping and meet friends.What is your take on body show?I have always heard heroines say that when you are out on the beach, you cannot look correct wearing a burkha, or formal wear with boots in place. You have got to look the part. However, it all depends on the scene. If you are showing skin, then I think it has to be well shot and well presented. Then, you can end up looking much more beautiful than in any other outfit. There is nothing wrong in exposure, if it is done well!Being a newcomer, you are expected to answer this one. Would you be comfortable wearing a swim suit?Honestly, I don't mind wearing a swim suit. But for that, the makers have to give me six months, so I could work on body and tone it better. I feel if I have to look presentable, then I have to lose some weight. Otherwise, I will look bad on screen in skimpy clothes. When I am in perfect shape, I will surely do it.Lastly, you had mentioned, acting was always your passion. So, did you get trained in acting or dancing or in any other aspect of filmmaking?No, I have no formal trainin in acting. But I did learn dancing in Mumbai to make my body more rhythm friendly. I did not learn classical dancing, so I did take dance classes.
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