'Mangalavaaram', slated to be released in theatres on November 17, is a complex tapestry of emotions and twists, says 'RX 100' fame director Ajay Bhupathi. In this interview, the three-time filmmaker says that his characters are invariably drawn from his real-life experiences.
"The twists are going to generate goosebumps," thunders the director. Catch him reveal more about the rustic thriller.
Once I stumble upon an idea, I don't feel like working on another idea. 'Mangalavaaram' was solidified during the making of 'Maha Samudram'. It was stressful to write and make the film because of the nature of the story.
A film is not just about the director. Artists, technical quality, production values... everything goes into making a film what it is. Things become tougher when your story is novel. Visualization is something only the director would have in such a case. And he has to convey it properly to his director of photography, sound designer, artists, and others.
The film is not based on true incidents. However, by the end of the film, the audience will wonder if the film could be a biopic! The story is set in the Konaseema region where people are known to speak in a sarcastic tone at times. The characters in 'Mangalavaaram' are true to life. The entire shoot was done outdoors.
Payal Rajput's character is shocking, while her performance is superlative. The audience will sympathize with her character by the end of the film. I knew the story was complicated. When I narrated the story to her, she agreed to do the film despite the challenges involved. The original idea was to cast a new face. Payal's character has to come with a dash of innocence. Payal showed interest and that made me go with her. I did test shoots and cast her without reservations. Our working relationship was comfortable when we did 'RX 100'. Her character in that film is still remembered with fondness.
Realistic, dark movies don't have vulgarity. It is regular commercial films that give more reasons to be embarrassed! 'RX 100' had no trace of vulgarity. Emotions are what make the difference. Balachander garu wrote excellent characters that were ahead of their time in the 1970s.
Rs 20 Cr is the budget of 'Mangalavaaram'. This is not a pan-Indian film just on paper. This is a pan-Indian film for real. Theatrical rights have been sold successfully across all languages. Right after the conclusion of the first schedule, I could sense the huge potential of the film.
'Kantara' fame Ajaneesh B Loknath's music is awesome. He knows how to excel in a variety of genres. His urge is to experiment with sounding. Take the example of 'Ganagana Mogalira', watching which will take the audience into a trance. MR Radhakrishna of 'Rangasthalam' fame is the sound designer. He has taken the film to the next level in collaboration with the music director. Cinematographer Dasaradhi Sivendra is fast-paced.
Allu Arjun garu is genuinely stunned by the trailer. He knows the entire story. In fact, he listened to the story right before the launch of the film 1.5 years ago.
I learned the art of choosing the right locations while working under RGV. It was I who finalized the locations for 'Killing Veerappan'. I never depend on my cinematographer for the right visual sense.
'Mangalavaaram' is going to have an extension. I can't give the "extension" a name at this point in time (smiles).
I don't respect those who don't respect me no matter how big they are. Those who treat me well receive double the respect. Industriliast Nimmagadda Prasad garu is a dignified person. I am glad that his daughter, Swathi Gunupati, has produced 'Mangalavaaram'. She, Suresh Varma and I have jointly produced the movie.
If I cast Kartikeya and Payal, that would be commercial but it won't make any sense. The audience remember the duo for their roles in 'RX 100'. I can't imagine them indulging in cute romance after what Payal's character did to the hero in that film.
I don't watch Hollywood movies barring a few like 'Godzilla' and 'Anaconda'. I found 'Godfather' boring. My boss (RGV) once scolded me for not watching it...
Even though 'Maha Samudram' didn't work commercially, we have been on strong terms. Whenever speculations about the relationship status of Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth surface, people call me to inquire me about its truth or otherwise (laughs). They are not kids. They are adults who know what they are doing. People believe that their love blossomed on the sets of 'Maha Samudram'.
