Director Srinivas Reddy has become popular in recent days as the director of the movie ‘Dhamarukam’. He was making small budget comedy films before being catapulted into a big production by R.R.Movie Makers banner. He says he is deeply indebted to R.R.Movie Makers banner and even says producer Venkat is like a God to him. Read on to see what he has to say.
Q. What is the feedback you are getting for Dhamarukam?
A. Dhamarukam is the first socio fantasy entertainer in Nagarjuna’s career and it is also his costliest film. People are responding really well and I have been getting congratulatory calls from many people. Family crowds and kids are enjoying the movie.
Q. Nagarjuna and family saw the film before it released. What was their reaction?
A. I got a great compliment from Nageswara Rao garu. He said “Pathala Bhairavi sthayi lo teesavu”. I felt very humbled. Nagarjuna garu also appreciated me and immediately offered me a chance to direct Naga Chaitanya.
Q. The movie’s release was delayed a few times. Do you think this affected the film’s potential in any way?
A. Problems are a part and parcel of life. Because it is such a big budget film, we faced some hiccups. But the Kartika Masam season has helped us as it is Lord Shiva’s favourite season. The buzz never died down and people were very curious about the movie.
Q. How did you convince Nagarjuna to do this film?
A. I first narrated two stories to Dr. Venkat of R.R.Movie Makers. One is based on the Warangal kings and the other is ‘Dhamarukam’. I was asked to narrate both scripts to Nagarjuna garu and after narration, he selected Dhamarukam. I am indebted to both Nagarjuna and R.R.Venkat for giving me such a huge project. For me, R.R.Venkat is God.
Q. Criticism is coming in for Prakash Raj’s selection as Lord Shiva. What do you have to say?
A. Each person has his or her own opinion. I liked him in the role. So have many other people. But some people did not. Perhaps, the costumes could have been better for Prakash Raj and that maybe the key reason for the criticism.
Q. When will Naga Chaitanya’s film release?
A. Naga Chaitanyan’as movie script has not been finalized. I am still busy with ‘Dhamarukam’ promotions. It will take some time to get that project going.
Q. What kind of films will you attempt in future?
A. I am a big fan of E.V.V. Satyanarayana and I would like to do as many films as possible like he did. I will also attempt to make films in multiple genres.