After ‘Annamayya’, ‘Sri Ramadasu’ and ‘Shirdi Sai’, yet another devotional film ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is coming as fourth devotional film in the combination of Nagarjuna and Raghavendra Rao. The film is being produced by Mahesh Reddy, who earlier produced Nagarjuna’s ‘Shirdi Sai. The film will narrate the story of the devotee Hathi Ram Baba, who dedicated his life in service to Lord Venkateswara. The film is arriving theaters on February 10. On this occasion, Nagarjuna took some time out of his day to chat with the media. Here is the excerpt of the interview where he talks about the film and his upcoming projects:
Tell your fans a little bit about the devotional film ‘Om Namo Venkateswara’?
Ram Baba’s characterisation is totally different from Annamayya. Baba has come to Tirupati from North. We don’t know if he came from Rajasthan or Maharashtra, so we say he came from the North. Baba had a maradalu, but he didn’t marry her. After seeing Venkateswara Swami, he stayed on in the town. People puts a negative message on him stating that he has stolen money and to exculpate himself he has to eat so many sugarcanes. Then Lord Venkateswara comes in elephant avatar and eats sugarcanes. Hathi Ram Baba is an emotional character. Scenes which comes between Swami and Hathi Ram Baba will be very interesting and will entertain audience for sure.
About his character in the film, he described, “Director Raghavendra Rao garu wanted me to let the beard grow and I went along with his request. Coming to the story, it will impress not only the youth but also all sects of audience. The story starts when Hathi Ram Babu is of 8 years old and is told till he reached 50.”
What is Anushka’s role? Tell us about Pragya Jaiswal characterisation?
Baba had a ‘Maradalu’. Pragya Jaiswal played Hathi Ram Baba ‘Maradalu’ character. Anushka played ‘Krishnamma’, who looks after Hathi Ram Baba’s needs. There is no romantic shade between both characters. Their relationship is spiritual. Keeravani garu has given wonderful tunes. Each and every song like ‘Anandam…’ and ‘Govindanamalu…’ is very impressive.”
How did you feel when you first listened to the script?
Actually, I felt that there is no story which is better than ‘Annamayya’. But, when I listened to the script, I surprised it was very interesting.
What are the highlights of the film?
There are four main episodes in the film. They will stand out as highlights. Especially, last 10 min duration will stand out as highlight for the film.
Recently, two big films were released and scored huge success. What is your opinion on that?
Between those two big films, there is a small budget film ‘Shatamanam Bhavati’. It also scored huge success. Dil Raju garu releases films with perfect planning. ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ was also released with perfect planning. We are planning to release ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is Tamil and Hindi as well. But, we have decided to release the film in Telugu first.
Tell us the reason behind to choose Saurab Raj Jain to play Lord Venkateswara role?
The film shows Lord Venkateswara Swami Kalyam and therefore Swami should look young. We all know that Lord Venkateswara is always young. We felt that Saurab Raj Jain is the only person who is perfect apt to that role and so we roped him.
We heard that this is Raghavendra Rao garu’s last films. Is it real?
He would tell ‘This is my last film’ during the shooting of the film and I said ‘It should not be true’.
Okay, when Akhil film will go on floors?
Vikram Kumar has narrated a line for Akhil’s film, but it is not moving ahead. So, he has narrated another script and it is very impressive. I am sure it will stand out as atrend setter. I will announce the details about the film by the end of February.
Tell us about the progress of Naga Chaitanya-Kalyan Krishna’s film?
Till date, 50% shooting has been wrapped up. Entire shooting part will be completed in March. It will be in the lines of ‘Ninne Pelladutha’. Once we are confidence that all is well, we will announce the release date.
You are reaching 100th film. How do you feel?
As per the fans’ calculation, I am reaching 100th film. But, in my opinion, it is not fair to calculate with guest roles. I have my personal calculation. When I feel that I reached 100th film, I will definitely announce.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am going to start the shooting for my part in ‘Raju Gaari Gadhi 2’. After that I have to start prequel to ‘Bangarraju’. Chandu has narrated me the script and he will develop the total script soon.
