'Son Of India' will head to theatres on February 18. In this interview, Dr. Mohan Babu talks about the film, what it is about, the kissing scenes in it, and more. He also shares his views about today's politics, some incidents from his illustrious career, the recent meeting with AP Minister Perni Nani, building a powerful Sai Baba temple, and more.
It is my first presser about a film in 3 years. No matter how well we plan our lives, everything actually goes as per God's plans. He knows everything and determines what we must do and when. With age, I have come to realize some home truths. Gurus, friends, good books, experience teach us valuable lessons in life.
I haven't made 'Son Of India' because I have a bank balance. Cinema is my passion. I did it because director Diamond Ratnababu's idea struck me. My Guru (Dasari Narayana Rao) garu experimented in his long career.
The film is about a wronged person whose life is spoiled by a politician. After coming out of jail, he carries out research on victims like him. What he does after it is what the film is about.
Youngsters want entertainment. They expect kissing scenes and you will find them in 'Son Of India'. A female actor plants a kiss on a female actor. It's not there for the sake of it. The script demanded it. But I haven't done any kissing scene in the film (laughs).
Murderers and rapists have to be punished instantly. That's my ideology. Politicians seeking to come to power spend a fortune. An idealistic person is hurt by a corrupted leader in 'Son Of India'. We have shown the consequences of such an injustice. We have spent a huge amount of money on graphics. There is a Sanksrit song and the pronunciation by Malayalam singers is impeccable.
I used to say that my film would become a sure-shot hit. I am not doing it anymore. But those who watch 'Son Of India' will definitely appreciate it. I have told Vishnu that a film flopping doesn't mean that you are incompetent. You have to give your 100% and that's all matters.
The CBFC has muted a word somewhere in the film.
'Son Of India' is a big-scale movie compared to an old film of Sunil Dutt's that I really liked. In 'Dana Veera Soora Karna', NTR annayya mouthed a monologue on castes. There is a monologue delivered in my own style in this film. It talks about a relevant issue. My character exhorts youngsters not to fall for caste-based divisions.
It's my wish that youths transcend caste barriers. Politicians shouldn't mobilize on the basis of caste fault lines. As an educationalist, I have derived immense satisfaction by doing away with the caste column in applications. Students who studied in our institution have become IAS, IPS officers.
I have a script ready to direct a movie. But I am not wielding the megaphone because I fear I might end up hitting non-punctual artists. There was a time when actors used to travel to a number of places day after day and yet were prompt despite the taxing schedules.
'Son Of India' was originally planned as a 90-minute movie for a direct OTT release. We also infused a number of kissing scenes. But the plan was changed. After deciding on a theatrical release, we toned down on the kissing scenes.
You will see my approach to the character when you watch my film. You will enjoy the movie thoroughly - be it my dialogue delivery or other aspects.
Politics used to be better in the past. Ethics and values have dwindled in politics. Politicians have been looked down upon now. There are good people for sure but most of the politicians are inspiring disgust. My film raises this point by talking about the victims of political conspiracies.
My film talks about the concept of private jails. When there are private schools, hospitals, buses, flights, etc, why can't there be private jails? Undertrials, who have been lodged in jails for no crime of theirs, will find a voice in 'Son Of India'. We all know that many innocents are condemned to being in jail. Person A commits a crime but it's Person B who ends up in the jail.
There was a time when people thought that I was not fit to be an actor because I hail from Rayalaseema. The fact is, Tirupathi has historically been home to a number of poets. There are various dialects in Telugu land. My Guru taught me how to ace different slangs. I am India's only actor who has donned the maximum number of mannerisms and styles in villainous roles. I like to observe people and imbibe their demeanour for my characters.
Rajinikanth once told me he doesn't want to act with me because he can't hit me on-screen nor can I can do it with him.
I am writing a book based on my life and experiences. I haven't yet decided on a title. I have spoken the truth in it. It's not like I am as honest as Mahatma Gandhi was in his autobiography. The tribulations I had to go through were tremendous. You would commit suicide if you go through similar struggles. Thanks to my father's influence, I have become philosophical in my outlook. Our thinking evolves mentally with time and as we age. I am not greedy and I don't have a desire to enjoy others' money.
I have a feeling that Dasari garu should have lived as long as my father. He was a great man whose heartbeat for the film industry.
I have got two or three subjects ready. I have a project lined up with Lakshmi (daughter). There is another project with Vishnu.
I like movies that point a finger at the injustices in our society. That's why I am inclined to do movies that speak of change/revolution.
I don't want to talk about the cinema ticket prices issue in AP. I have friends and well-wishers in all political parties. Perni Nani garu came to my house because he was in the city to attend a wedding. I called him up and asked him if he would like to have breakfast at our place. I know him for years. I can't help it if people attribute motives for an informal meet. I didn't ask him about what the CM told the Telugu film industry people who had met with him. Why would I ask a guest about what happened in my absence? CMs, Governors, intellectuals and politicians have visited my place for years.
I know that the media is now going to make this interview all about my lack of response on the ticket pricing issue.
I don't want to participate in politics for the rest of my life. I am now focused on films and my educational institutions, including the Mohan Babu University.
I never planned anything in my life. Everything has happened as and when things had to. I believe that everything is pre-determined. Even the fate of 'Son Of India' has been pre-determined. I and others are building a Sai Baba temple near my school in Tirupathi. It's going to be a powerful temple. Pundits from Rishikesh are involved in building it. Its budget is something like Rs 4.5 Cr. Donations have been sought from my contacts. Pilgrims who visit the Tirumala temple will want to come over there and pray. That's my intention.
