Director Teja has been lying low with back to back flops in his career. He has now teamed up with star hero Rana for a film called Nene Raju Nene Mantri. On the occasion of the film’s release, we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Let’s see what he has to say.
What did you learn from your previous failures?
After giving back to back flops, I realized that the story of the film is a key and made sure that I come up with a good script this time and that is how NRNM was born.
Looks like Rana was not your first choice for NRNM?
Yes! I initially narrated the film to Rajasekhar with the title Aham. But as things did not work out with him, I developed the story further and narrated it to Rana. He instantly liked my vision and the project was on right away.
How is the pre-release buzz for the film?
It has been amazing and all those who used to ignore me are coming forward and congratulating me for the trailer and the film. There is a superb buzz for the film even in Tamil and I am very confident that it will surely match everyone’s expectations.
How is NRNM going to be?
It will be surely a bit different among the recent films that have been coming out. All the characters will be quite realistic and hard-hitting. There won’t be any artificial elements as the film will be closer to real life. I can say that the film is a love story with the backdrop of politics.
About Rana’s role and performance?
Rana plays the role of Jogendra and how his life changes with the entry of Kajal is the whole film about. Rana is a thinking actor who does not feel overconfident about himself. He takes the scene paper one day before and comes well prepared and that too in the mood of the character which is superb.
Working with Kajal for the second time?
Kajal has become even more experienced and will be one of the highlights of the film. In fact, as soon as I narrated the script to Suresh Babu, he told that he will go ahead with the project only if Kajal was the female lead. Such is the effect of hers to the film.
Suresh Babu and his involvement in the project?
I always wanted to work with Rama Naidu but things did not happen. I am very happy that I got to work with Suresh who is one producer who lets the director do his job in his own way.