Nagarjuna is going through the happiest phase of his life – both personal and career front. While 2016 saw the biggest hits of his career such as Soggade Chinni Nayana & Oopiri, Nag’s sons Chaitanya, Akhil got engaged to their sweethearts recently. At this juncture, he is coming up with a devotional film Om Namo Venkatesaya teaming up with classic director K Raghavendra Rao.
As the film is all set for release on Feb 10, we gets talking to Nagarjuna Akkineni.
Snippets from the long conversation:
Akhil
Initially, Vikram had narrated us a superb story-line. It’s very striking. But halfway through we got stuck. The story isn’t moving further. So we decided to drop. Vikram came up with another story-line that is tailor-made to Akhil. This is very new and caters to all youth. We have locked the introduction, interval and climax parts.
Vikram is working on the remaining portions right now. We did a lot of research on what really present generation wants. Basically, they love to break rules, customs. So, the film is on that lines. Once it’s finished, I’ll announce it myself. It’s going to be a path-breaking film for Akhil. Also, it’s a bit risky but no doubt, it’ll be very good attempt. It’s going to be what Shiva was for me. I’m very very excited to announce.
Since, I’m producing the film, I’ll take complete control of the project. I’m relaunching Akhil in my own way.
Chaitu
I realised Chaitu’s biggest strength is his boy-next-door image. We have come up with a Ninne Pelladatha-type story. 50% of shoot is done. Kalyan Krishna has a grip on nativity. So, he gave such touch to Chaitu. He has never done something like this before. He has been doing urban roles. This will be very different from his past films. Kalyan has done a great job. Film is shaping up well. It’ll be completed by March. But I can’t announce when it’d be released.
There could be corrections, reshoots and we may wait for the proper release.
Engagements
I’m very happy to see both of my boys get engaged. I am hoping they will lead a happy and successful life. Wish to see them doing good films.
I realised the power of Twitter with two issues – Trump’s victory and Brexit. From now on wards I confirm/deny news on Twitter. It’s a powerful tool. From the horse’s mouth. It gives authenticity. For instance, I posted the engagement pics of Chaitu, Sam first. So, it’s a direct connection with people. I haven’t learnt the usage of Twitter completely, I’m still learning.
As Hathiram Bhava
For third-time, I’m donning the role of a devotee. After listening to the script narrated by Raghavendra Rao and Bharavi, I got very excited and amused. I didn’t know anything about Hathiram. Even while dubbing, I can’t resist myself but laughing. The scenes with Lord Balaji are superb. Last 15-20 minutes of Om Namo Venkatesaya is the highlight like Annamayya.
Replacing Suman as Lord Balaji
It’s been 20 years for Annamayya. As per puranas, Lord Srinivas is ever young and doesn’t look older than 30. So, we looked for a younger guy and yet have that charm of Lord Balaji. Devotee can become older but God can’t. So, we saw Sourabh’s pic and Raghavendra Rao garu called him for screen test. Without any second thought, we brought him on board. In North, he’s famous on TV for his role in Mahabharatha.
Anushka
Anushka is not heroine of the film. She plays Krishnamma. She’s my guide in film. It’s parallel character. By the time, Hathiram moves to Tirumala, Krishnamma is already settled. So, she guides him. It’s a fictional character. Pragya plays my Maradalu. Though there’s no romance actually, but she tries her Bava (only one-side).
Songs
Unlike Annamayya which had reference of music, lyrics (Annamacharya Keerthanalu), we have no clue on how to compose songs and how to have lyrics. The whole credit goes to Keeravani garu. The songs are on par with Annamayya.
100th Film
I decide myself that which is my 100th film. Not fans. How are they counting? Are they counting even my cameos like Premam? Then what about the films I’ve lent my voice? Should they also be counted? I’ll announce what my 100th film will be.
After Om Namo Venkatesaya, I’m doing Raju Gari Gadhi 2. So, after devotional, I’ve to go back and talk to devil (laughs). After that will team up with Kalyan Krishna for Bangarraju. Chandoo Mondeti too wants to meet again. I said I’ll meet him after the release of Om Namo Venkatesaya.
JK Bharavi
Yes, JK Bharavi told me he wants to narrate a story. I asked him whether it is devotional again. He said no. I’ll listen to it after the release of Om Namo Venkatesaya.