What ever Akkineni Nagarjuna touches, turns into gold these days. After the super success of Soggade Chinni Nayana, he is back with yet another entertainer Oopiri. On the eve of the film’s release, we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Let’s see what he has to say.
Q)Looks like you have dubbed for the Tamil version as well ?
Yes, I have just wrapped up my dubbing part. After seeing someone else dub for me, Karthi insisted that I should dub in my own voice. Even though it was quite a tough job, I managed it somehow.
Q)Who approached you with this project ?
A very hesitant Vamsi Paidipalli approached me with this project. As soon as he told me that it was the adaptation of the French film The Intouchables, I agreed to do it right away as I had seen the original and loved it completely.
Q)What drew you towards this character ?
The film was made in such an healthy note and my character had no sympathy attached to it. There is no melodrama or unnecessary flashback with painful emotions in this film and that is what drew me towards this project.
Q)Were you apprehensive about how your fans would receive this film ?
My fans have always encouraged me every time I do something new. I feel that they will feel extremely proud after watching me on screen.
Q)How did your sons react when they heard about your role ?
Even today, they are not happy and don’t want to see my in such an handicapped role. But I convinced them that it is only a role and will be remembered for ever in Tollywood.
Q)How was it working with Vamsi Paidipalli ?
I can surely say that Vamsi Paidipalli will become one of the top directors in Tollywood after Oopiri. The way he has adapted the film and narrated it entertainingly will be liked by one and all.
Q)How difficult was it shooting for your part ?
Oopiri is one of the most difficult films in my career. I took a lot out of me as I was confined to the chair and also the film was shot twice for both the languages. A special assistant was appointed just to check my movements as I play a paralyzed character.
Q)Has anything changed in you after doing such a role ?
Oopiri is a life changing film for me. I am very happy and thank god that he has given me and my family good health. Respect towards such people has grown even more now.
Q)Looks like you have bonded well with Karthi ?
Karthi is a good human being and has surprised me with his acting capabilities. The way he has gone about his role will impress everyone big time.
Q)So what kind of business do you think this film will do ?
I have not done this film for monetary reasons. Films like these are rare and come only once during life time. The time I have spent with my team and the way this film will inspire many, is more important to me than anything.
Q)Why didn’t you cast Naga Chaitanya in Karthi’s role ?
That idea never came in our mind but I feel that the film would go completely wrong as everyone knows who Chaitu is in real life.
Q)Why did NTR drop out of this project ?
Initially, he was approached for this film but as he had date issues, we went ahead with Karthi.
Q)When will Akhil’s second film start ?
Currently, he is discussing some ideas with Vamsi Paidipalli but nothing has been confirmed yet. I can give clarity about it only when things materialize.
Q)When are you starting your next project with Raghavendra Rao ?
Currently, the team is scouting for locations on and we start filming in May.
