Gunasekhar is one man who will be nervous as hell. His prestigious project, Rudhramadevi is finally set for a mammoth release this week. On this occasion, we caught up with him for a very interesting interview. Here is the transcript.
Q) What inspired you to make Rudhramadevi ?
I was in class eight when I studied about Rudhramadevi . The entire story of the historic princess fascinated me big time. Years later, when I watched the Hollywood film Brave Heart, it struck me that I should take Rudhramadevi ‘s story and make a big budget war film on international standards in Telugu.
Q) What mad you produce this film on your own ?
Frankly, this project was supposed to go on floors after Okkadu, but none of the producers came forward. The project was getting delayed for years and finally I decided to take the risk and produced it myself. In fact, you can say that I became producer out of no choice.
Q) Already, the film is high on budget, why did you choose 3D ?
Films likeRudhramadevi come only once in a life time. I wanted to make the best out of it and decided to showcase the film in 3D. Working with new technology is nothing new for me as I have used graphics and VFX in many of my previous films already.
Q) Was Anushka the obvious choice to play Rudhramadevi ?
No ! Initially when I was scripting the film, I felt that Anushka would have a strong influence of Arundathi in her character. But as the project finalized and several reports and audience pulse revealed that Anushka would be the obvious choice to play the queen, I roped her for the character.
Q) How did you choose Allu Arjun ?
It was Allu Arjun who chose me. Even though I gave him a huge flop in the form of Varudu, he came up and told me that he is ready to play Gona Ganna Reddy. I was shocked by his statement and immediately roped him for the powerful role. I feel that Bunny’s role will be the major highlight of the film and stay with everyone after they leave the screens.
Q) Rudhramadevi is coming after the huge success of Baahubali. Is this bad or good for the film ?
See ! both the films are made in different genres all together. I feel that audience are very clear about this and will not compare both the films. Our film has a historical touch and is based on reality which happened 800 years back.