Director Sudheer Varma is one technician, who is known widely for his taut narration in his films. After a gap of two years, he is back with an hard-hitting revenge drama called Keshava. On the occasion of the film’s release, we caught up with Sudheer and spoke at length about his new film and future plans. Let’s see what he has to say.
Why did you take a long gap after Dochay?
I was supposed to make a film with Ravi Teja but that project was postponed due to some circumstances. So, I had to change my plans and wrote Keshava and made it with Nikhil.
Why do you have such deep liking for crime thrillers?
Somehow, I am more fascinated with that genre and I feel that such films are my core strength. I always feel that one should make films in what he is best at. That is why you will not see me making romantic family entertainers like Bommarillu. Even though I love watching such films, my strength lies in the serious crime thrillers.
What is Keshava all about?
Keshava is an out and out revenge drama with some never before seen gritty emotions. The basic plot is all about Nikhil taking revenge but the way the proceedings are narrated and showcased is the basic USP of the film.
Was Nikhil always your first choice for Keshava?
As I decided to do a film with Nikhil after Dochay, I wrote this story keeping him in mind. Every scene that is showcased in the film is only written for Nikhil and the role he plays.
Nikhil is playing a dark role. How much justice has he done?
I am very confident that Nikhil will blow everyone away with his performance. The way he has showcased the emotions and held the character is just too good. I remember showing some key scenes to Sukumar and he was taken aback with Nikhil’s performance and said that he has not seen any actor in recent times who has held emotions of a character with such impact. Such words from directors like Sukumar are only a proof as to how Nikhil will shock everyone in Keshava.
Why did you add the heart disorder for Nikhil’s character?
I wanted the character to have an edge. As my hero is on a deadly revenge mode and is having all the emotions hid inside him, we thought what if he had some health disorder and how can such a person take revenge. Such aspects will be quite interesting and showcased in a more cinematic way.
Keshava has created huge expectations for itself. Do you think the film will stand up to it?
Yes ! I am 100% sure that Keshava will surely full fill everyone’s expectations. I am very confident and feel that the film has come out even better than Swamy Ra Ra and will surely surprise all. The emotions are quite strong and there will be no disturbance in the form of unnecessary commercial elements.
Even the run time is very short. Any major reason behind this?
As or film is a serious revenge drama, we did not want any disturbance. Anyways, the audience now has certain expectations from Nikhil and come to the theaters to see him doing something new. No one wants to see his dances or fights and this was the major reason we made the film to the point.
How has the film turned out?
The film has turned out to more than what I planned. During the censor certification, I remember two lady officers walking up to me and congratulating me for my work. This only proves that the emotion which I showcased will gel with all sections of the audience.
Tell us how you go about working on your films?
I always go to shoot only when I have a bound script in hand. Once I am on the sets, there is absolutely no confusion in my mind. What is there on the paper will be on screen as everything is in my head and I operate with utmost clarity.
All your films are content driven. Do you think will you be able to work with a star hero?
Why not! I am a person who can easily mold to the given circumstances. The star hero brings a lot of weight to the project and I need to cater to his image and make my film. I have a few subjects in mind which I have written only for star heroes. May be after two years, things will fall into place once I get more credibility as a director.
Camerawork looks stunning. Tell us about that?
A new technician called Diwakar Mani has worked on the film and post-Keshava, he will surely go to great heights. His camerawork will be one of the biggest highlights in the film and some of the shots captured have never come up on Telugu screen to date.
Tell us about the supporting cast of the film?
Apart from Nikhil, the performance of the supporting cast will stand out in the film. Isha Koppikar is amazing with her cop role and so is Ritu Varma as a law student. Rao Ramesh will be seen in yet another memorable role and the basic suspense and twists of the film will impress everyone.
Tell us about your family?
I am basically from Bheemavaram and am married happily with two kids. They are a huge pillar of support and I don’t include them in any of my filmy commitments as I feel that family life should be quite personal.
Upcoming projects?
My next film is with Sharwanand and will start rolling in July or August. It is an action thriller where I will be showcasing Sharwa in a completely new avatar. Then my script for Ravi Teja’s film is ready. Only he can play that role and am waiting for him to finish his commitments so that we can start the project. It will be an amazing gangster flick.
Finally, sum up Keshava for us?
I want everyone to come prepared that Keshava will be an out and out revenge drama. The situations and narration will be quite new for the audience and I hope everyone will love my film.
With that, we ended our interview with Sudheer Varma and wished him the best of luck for his film. Keep watching this space for the complete review of Keshava on the 19th of May.
Interviewed by Avad