Rebel Star Prabhas is busy promoting his new film Saaho which will release on the 30th of this month. On this occasion, we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Here’s the transcript.

How nervous are you about the film’s outcome?

Initially, I never used to be so tensed before any release of mine. But post-Bahaubali, things have changed and I am having sleepless nights before the releases. For Saaho, things are even bigger this time and I am dying to know the outcome of the film.

How did this project initiate in the first place?

Post Baahubali, I was looking at a love story. That is the time, Sujeeth came with the screenplay of this film. I loved it and asked him to come with a proper script. Once he did that there was no looking back.

Was the budget of the film always close to 350 crores?

No, we wanted to wrap up the film in 150 crores initially but seeing Baahubali 2’s result we kept on increasing the budget and scale of the film. Our only aim was to make some big film in terms of action. But the budget kept on improving and we have now spent 350 crores only for the audience.

What did you like the most about Sujeeth?

The way he narrated me the screenplay, I loved the confidence which is rare in such a young guy. He is crystal clear and never got confused in any part of the filming. He managed all the senior technicians so well and has made the film with a stylish screenplay which will be loved by many.

Your preparation for the film?

The brief was to lose weight for the film and I turned vegetarian for that and followed a strict diet instructed by my trainer Lakshman. I had to look lean and stylish for the action sequences and it was a lot of hard work to look in a certain way.

Tell us about working with other stars of the film?

Right from the time the project was thought, we wanted pan-India actors. Right from Jackie sir, to Chunkey Pandey and Neil Nithin, I had a lovely time working with them Sabu Cyril is a star in his own way and he played a major role in creating so many sets for the film.

How tough was the action part of the film?

It was not tough but required a lot of patience. We had Kenny Bates do the stunts and for him to put things together, it took a lot of time. We smashed many cars, blew up tankers and had to take several permissions from the governments of Dubai and Italy. The action is best on Indian screens to date and will shock you with its range.

About your producers taking a risk?

UV Creations are my best friends and they have given everything for the film. Every time they spoke about the budget, my blood pressure would increase as I always knew they are taking a big risk to bet on my popularity. They have done it all in these last two years and I want the film to work at least for them.

Will you do more Pan-India films?

Everything depends on the success of Saaho. If it clicks, I will surely continue this way. But if anything goes wrong, I will keep doing Telugu films and once in a while do Bollywood projects.

How has success changed you?

I have a lot of success but post-Baahubali things are different. I look at people like Chiranjeevi, Rajamouli, and Rajanikanth who have achieved so much and are yet very humble. I want to be like them and do not let success go to my head.

About your wedding plans?

As of now, I have no plans as there is a lot of pressure for me to deliver with Saaho. Everything else can wait as of now.