Actor Varun Tej's 'Ghani' is hitting the cinemas on April 8. In this interview, the Mega hero talks about the film, working with an ensemble cast, his rapport with debutant director Kiran Korrapati, his upcoming movie with director Praveen Sattaru, and more.
Kiran was the co-director for 'Mister'. I liked the way he explained the dialogues and I got along with him. I got him on board for 'Toli Prema' since Venky Atluri was a new director at that time. An experienced co-director goes a long way. My equations with Kiran got only stronger with time. I gave him the opportunity to wield the megaphone for a movie of mine.
I watch Hollywood movies a lot. 'Million Dollar Baby' is my favourite. There are a lot of sports films in Hollywood and Bollywood. I feel Telugu cinema doesn't make sports films to a good degree. We have to explore the genre. That's why I suggested to Kiran that he should debut with a sports actioner. And that's how 'Ghani' took off.
It's not like I took a greater amount of responsibility during the making of 'Ghani'. Since the producers (Allu Bobby and Sidhu Mudda) are new, I got involved more during the story-development phase. I would give Kiran constant feedback so that he could rectify on the go and make changes immediately. Above all, Bobby and Sidhu are my cousins. I naturally took extra care.
I didn't know that boxing would be more taxing than usual action scenes. You have to use both hands. It was physically exhausting. I had to maintain my physique. As per the story, my character comes with two variations. In the first half, the hero is stubborn but he doesn't get a guiding force in life. Physical transformation takes place in the second half.
It's not like I have to dominate an artist like Upendra garu in 'Ghani'. I push myself regardless of who I am acting with. When I met him for the first time, I was in awe. He is soft-spoken and speaks with others so respectfully. Despite being an elder, he would address me 'Meeru'.
Suniel Shetty garu's character had to be played by a North Indian. That's why he was roped in. Even Kiran had only him in mind. We needed a star. He was not roped in to make 'Ghani' sound pan-India. Naveen Chandra and others were chosen for the same reason. Kiran felt a newcomer should be cast as the heroine. That's why Sairee Manjrekar was chosen, not a star heroine.
'Ghani' was okayed before 'Toofan' (Hindi) was released. Boxing is the only common element between the two films. I don't remember 'Toofan' much. The emotional undercurrent in 'Ghani' is distinctive. The motivations of the male lead there are different from that in our film. Mother sentiment has a significant place. The story essentially revolves around six characters. Each character shows something unique.
'Ghani' is a serious film, whereas 'F3' is totally fun-driven. They are poles apart. 'F3' will be released in theatres on May 27.
I am happy that 'Pushpa' and 'RRR' have become pan-India hits. I am happy both as a member of the Mega family and a film actor. It makes us proud when our films become pan-India hits.
If Sekhar Kammula garu is ready to work with me, I will definitely do it. There is no question about it. I maintain a good rapport with all my directors.
I personally like action movies. But I didn't land the genre in the beginning. 'Ghani' is an actioner. My film with Praveen Sattaru is an out-and-out action movie. The project will go on the floors in May.
I like to do a multi-starrer, especially if it is with Sai Dharam Tej and/or Nithiin.
