Akkineni Nagarjuna, who appeared on screen as the devotee of Lord Venkateswara and Lord Rama, in films like ‘Annamayya’ and ‘Sri Ramadasu’, for the first time is going to emerge in the God’s avatar as ‘Shirdi Sai’. Yes, as known to all K Raghavendra Rao is showing him as Shirdi Sai Baba in the film ‘Shirdi Sai’, opening to theaters worldwide tomorrow, the 6th of September, 2012. A Mahesh Reddy has produced the devotional movie on Sai Kripa Entertainment Pvt Ltd., which will be presented by A Sulochana Reddy. On the occasion of the film’s release tomorrow Nagarjuna spoke to the media and shared his views about the film. Here are some excerpts:
I was so immersed in the character of Baba:
I was seen as a devotee in my previous films ‘Annamayya’ and ‘Sri Ramadasu’ and I also did a lot of home work on both the scripts. Raghavendra Rao garu created few scenes as per the demand of both the stories. However, I never felt tensed while playing the God’s role despite being the first time. Infact I was so immersed in the character as long as I was shooting for the film. The characters of Nanavali, Lakshmi Bhai and Thathya have been designed based on the characters from the original Sai Satcharitra (Sai Baba’s history). In ‘Annamayya’ and ‘Sri Ramadasu’, we have touched the romance and glamour part based on the situational demand. But nevertheless, there is no space for those elements in this film. The entire movie is based on spiritual path.
People say that Baba’s photo and my photo look alike on posters
I’m very happy to hear from people that Baba’s photo and my photo look alike on posters. The entire credit goes to Raghavendra Rao garu for his brilliant creativity. He did the Baba’s sketch on my photo to get my picture of the character in his mind and designed it consequently.
I’m very confident that Shirdi Sai will have a grand opening
The opening of ‘Annamayya’ was not as it normally used to be for my other commercial films. However, the collections picked up after 10 days based on the positive reviews and good mouth-talk. In the case of ‘Shirdi Sai’, I’m very confident that the film will have a grand opening on the release day. Second half of the film was amazingly made, hence the confidence level in me has doubled.
Shirdi Sai will be my career best film
Producer Mahesh Reddy garu made ‘Shirdi Sai’ with absolute devotion and spiritual mind. He is also planning to dub the film in Hindi and Marati. At the same time Raghavendra Rao garu crafted the film like a beautiful painting with his soul. Keeravani gave life to the film with his musical scores and background music. Baba is doing wonderful publicity by Himself for our film. ‘Shirdi Sai’ will be my career best film.
My father was the role model for me to do the role of Sai Baba
My father is playing wonderful characters even at 90. So he was my role model for me to portray the Sai Baba character. I worked for about 55 days for this film. But I never felt inconvenient anytime while shooting for the film. The entire shooting went on smoothly. I never felt like returning back from Badami even after completing my part of shooting. Every unit member considered this film as his own and worked with complete involvement and dedication.
I’m planning 3 films a year
Of late the audience are watching films and forgetting fast. So I don’t think there would be any confusion due to back-to-back releases. I’m planning 3 films a year. I’m choosing my roles in such a way that they remain in audience’s minds forever.
Bhai is an out and out entertainer in live with Hello Brother
My next film ‘Damarukam’ has completed the shooting part long ago. The output is great. We did an item song in the ‘Dhamarukam’ only for the special attraction. We are planning to release the film in 3rd week of October. Besides this, I’m doing a Love Story film under Dasarath’s direction which is being produced by D Sivaprasad Reddy. Apart from this, ‘Bhai’ film will start soon under Veerabhadra Chowdary’s direction. The script is excellent. It’s an out and out entertainer in line with ‘Hello Brother’. I’ve signed a film for Bellamkonda Suresh and a film for Durga Arts banner too. Apart from my above projects, a film in the combination of my father, Naga Chaitanya and I will be launched in another 6 months. Vikram of ‘Ishtam’ fame is the director. Right now the script work is going on briskly. It’s an interesting story.
Autonagar Surya will be a good commercial film
Naga Chaitanya is currently shooting for ‘Autonagar Surya’. Deva Katta is a fantastic director. I liked his ‘Prasthanam’ movie a lot. I’m impressed with the script of ‘Autonagar Surya’. It’ll be a good commercial film.
In the name of tax, government is earning a lot through film industry
Government is earning a lot through film industry in the name of tax, but not helping us in any form. We have to bare all taxes. Right from light boy to hero, remunerations and commodity prices have increased. At this juncture the government should support the film industry. At the same time I personally feel that the ticket rates should also be increased.
Annapurna Studios is named as India’s Modern Studio
I’m very happy to note that Annapurna Studios is named as India’s one and only Modern Studio. Similarly our film institute also earned good reputation with many foreign students joining courses in different streams of film making.
I’ll let Akhil decide what he wants to be
Akhil is currently focusing on his education. So I do not want to distract him in anyway. I’ll allow him to do whatever he wishes to do. It’s his choice. He is interested in films indeed. So let him decide what he wants to be.
