Maverick director Ram Gopal Varma, has been going through a lean phase in his career. Things are looking good this time around, as he is back with the power packed action entertainer in Rowdy. Starring the legendary Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu, Rowdy is gearing up for a release this Friday. 123telugu caught up with Ramu for an exclusive interview, and let’s see what he has to say.
Q) How did ‘Rowdy’ materialize?
A) I have been watching Mohan Babu’s films from quite some time. I always wanted to work with him, but things some how did not materialize. Now, when I decided to make Rowdy, I thought he would be an apt choice and narrated him the script. He liked the script, and the way I convinced him to sport a natural look. Initially he was sceptical, but once he saw the test shoot, there was no looking back.
Q) We have seen faction backdrop in many films. How different is it going to be in Rowdy?
A) My film also has a faction backdrop, but with full of family emotions. For the first time in my career, I am dealing with a film which has heavy sentimental values.
Q) What do you have to say to those who think Rowdy is a remake of Sarkaar or resembles the God Father series ?
A) Every movie which has an action backdrop, with family emotions will be compared to God Father. I myself have made movies like Sarkaar on this concept. But Rowdy is not a remake of Sarkaar, but only has a underlying theme of that film.
Q) How was it working with Mohan Babu Garu?
A) I had a wonderful experience working with Mohan Babu. Initially, people scared me that I will not be able to cope up with his attitude and discipline. But for me, I had a blast, and never felt this comfortable, as I have on any of my other films.
Q) Tell us something about Mohan Babu and Vishnu’s performances in the film?
A) You will see a complete new Mohan Babu with a raw and natural look. There is nothing to talk about his performance, as he is a versatile and seasoned actor. But Vishnu will surprise you with his performance. I have taken Vishnu’s real life behaviour and mannerisms and have just incorporated into the film.
Q) You always cast Jayasudha in all your films. Any particular reason for this ?
A) I was a big fan of Jayasudha, and always casted her so that I can get to see and work with a star like her. But in this film, she plays an key role which is very significant to the story.
Q) You have recreated the Shiva soundtrack in this film. Any particular reason for doing this?
A) Oh ! that track is my all time favourite, and I always wanted re use it. When I came across a scene in Rowdy, I decided to recreate it, and music director Sai Karthik did a wonderful job with the sound.
Q) You are doing back to back films in Telugu. What about Hindi films?
A) I have a film lined up in July. I will be making the third instalment of Sarkaar, with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles.
Q) What about your film with Vishnu titled Tension Tension ?
A) Yes! I am doing yet another film with Vishnu, but the title is not Tension Tension.
Q) What happened to the much publicised Reddy Garu Poyaru ?
A) Looking at the drastic changes in the political scenario, I have kept that film on the back burner for now.
Q) Overall, what can we except from RGV’s Rowdy ?
A) You will get to see a high dose of family emotions and sentiment, interlaced with faction backdrop which in new for my films.
Q) Finally, what is the force that has been driving you to make films from such a long time ?
A) Basically, I am a story teller. I narrate and make movies which excite me. Some times they click, and sometimes they don’t. But the zeal and zest in me to make movies will never die.
With that we rounded up our interview with Ram Gopal Varma, and wished him the best of luck for his film. Keep watching this space for more updates on Rowdy.
Interviewed by Raghava
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