'Hero' will be released in theatres on January 15. Mahesh Babu’s nephew and Guntur MP Jayadev Galla’s son Ashok Galla is its debutant hero. Directed by 'Bhale Manchi Roju' fame Sriram Adittya, the entertainer has been produced by Padmavathi Galla.
In this interview, Ashok talks about the film, working with the director, what makes the movie unique, and more.
I had learned dances and fights. I just had to get into the mind space of 'Hero' before the shoot began. Sriram asked me to watch a few action movies. The director and I were on the same page. I could go with his vision. There is a twist in the movie and it will justify the title. It's my luck that Sriram chose me to be a part of 'Hero'. We had started meeting and interacting repeatedly. We explored our sensibilities and figured out that we should do a film like 'Hero'.
'Hero' is not offbeat, neither is it a regular, typical movie. Sriram is not a typical filmmaker. His editing pattern is different. 'Samanthakamani', too, was different that way.
I have played a middle-class man who wants to become a cine hero. He is a bit arrogant, a bit loud, and someone who thinks that he is a 'thopu' guy.
I have just done my debut movie and I don't know what kind of movies I am going to do next. My primary interest has been acting. I didn't take to dancing naturally. I took to learning dance because I have to carry forward the legacy of my elders in the family. I completed a film degree while in college. When I was a child, Superstar Krishna garu cast me in a movie. I acted in Nani. I attended theatre classes in Singapore.
I had to learn horse-riding just a month before the cowboy scenes were shot. It was a tight schedule.
When my elders came to know about my acting dream, they were a little worried. They were hesitant because film career is not a regular job. But once they understood my passion, they were supportive. I was involved in training myself and my father motivated me to push myself. My parents have liked me in 'Hero'. My father is not into judging movies but he liked the director's treatment and editing style. My mother is a typical audience member who likes entertainers. She found 'Hero' entertaining.
Nidhhi Agerwal (heroine) was supportive from the first day. That's why our pairing has shaped up really well. The chemistry is alright. She got along well with us; she is a thorough professional.
I was very comfortable in front of the camera. But once I was off the camera, I would feel a little anxious about my performance! This is a highly commercial-format movie, but the story is atypical. The director has made a commercial movie with a distinct touch.
Mahesh Babu garu has only mild covid symptoms. He should be fine in a day or two. I admire him. He has got a sharp mind and is a person of high calibre.
I am excited ahead of the film's release. But I will get tense a day before the release of the movie. I have done the 'Joker' scene just like that. It's not because my character is a grey one. The response to the get-up has been unexpectedly good.
My father had set up the production house with the aim of launching me. Right now, we have no solid blueprint as to how to take it forward. 'Hero' got delayed because of the pandemic. I never felt bad despite the long delays.
In my opinion, the 'Mission Impossible' genre is the ultimate high in the commercial space. I am not interested in politics.
