Stylish Star Allu Arjun is known for his high voltage performances, electrifying dance moves and great screen presence. He has been adept in choosing interesting scripts with a good blend of commercial values as well as good performance scope. After the brilliant success of Race Gurram and S/o Satyamurthy earlier, he is ready to entertain the audience as Gona Ganna Reddy in Anushka’s Rudramadevi. Here is an iQlik exclusive chitchat with the actor:
Hi Bunny..
Hello!
Rudramadevi is finally releasing. Are you tensed?
I am not really tensed but feeling anxious because I never did a genre like this till date. I went out of my comfort zone and did this challenging film. So, irrespective of the result, I am happy to have worked for this film.
What made you accept the role of Gona Ganna Reddy in Rudramadevi?
There are two primary reasons. First reason being that it is a film which speaks about the cultural richness of India and we need more such stories to be told. Second reason is that, Gunasekhar himself is the director as well as producer for such a story. So, I really felt I should do my part in supporting such an attempt by him.
Did anyone dissuade you from doing this film?
Well, there were people who tried to stop me from doing but I wanted to do this in order to help Gunasekhar bring out such a good film.
You gave a nod with a soft corner but when did you really gain confidence over the role?
Yes... I did start the film with a soft corner but when I rehearsed for about one complete month, I felt really confident.
There are not many historic references to Gona Ganna Reddy’s character for you to research the role. How did you manage?
True. This was a role which was designed by ourselves and the team. Right from my dress, skin complexion, make up and diction was unique. I didn’t have a readymade reference but I decided to set myself as a reference! Actually I was supposed to speak chaste Telugu but chose to speak Telangana accent instead. Jabardasth Venu helped me a lot to learn the rural Telangana accent. Dialogue writer Narasimha, dubbing in charge Pappu also helped me a lot.
Did you do any exclusive homework for your look as Gona Ganna Reddy?
The role is supposed to be done by people who are above 40 years of age but I look younger. It was tough to prepare for the senior look. I did try to wear a wig but it didn’t suit me perfectly. That’s why did with my original hair. It might draw some criticism but the decision is logical. I'm prepared for everything.
There were speculations that you charged huge sum as remuneration for Rudramadevi?
(Laughs) Remuneraion topic did come between us (Allu Arjun and Gunasekhar) but I asked him to finish the film first instead of bothering about my remuneration and asked to pay me later whenever possible. The film's release and success matters us the most now.
How was it working with Anushka again after Vedam?
Aah..great! It is because of her Rudramadevi film exists. I couldn’t imagine any other actress apart from her for the role. She already proved her worth in Arundhati and doesn’t need to prove her acting prowess once again.
How was it working with Nitya Menon in this film after S/o Satyamurthy?
Yes I must really thank her. Being a lead heroine, she doesn't have qualms about playing a supporting role and her character matters the most to her. I really admire her for that attitude of an actor.
What inspires you to experiment like this as a star and an actor?
It is people like Sr.NTR and ANR who have their own fan following and great image. But keeping their image aside, they did many path breaking films and set many examples for us. For instance, despite being his 200th film, NTR acted in Kodalu Diddina Kapuram, a heroine oriented family drama. He could have planned it great but just believed in the story and kept doing good scripts. I feel it is a great lesson to learn and I draw inspiration from them.
How do you feel about the market expansion after the success of Baahubali and Srimanthudu?
Films like Baahubali, Srimanthudu, Cinema Chupistha Maava and Bhale Bhale Magadivoy brought a great positive vibe to the industry. My only humble request is not to compare Baahubali with Rudramadevi.
What about the competition you face from your peer heroes?
Though there is competition, we have a healthy environment. After watching Srimanthudu I called Mahesh and appreciated his work. Actually I don’t have that close rapport with Mahesh as much as I have with Rana or Prabhas but still such healthy communication exists.
Are you totally satisfied with S/o Satyamurthy, which was only a moderate hit?
I am 95% satisfied with it. If at all the film was made crisper, it would have been a blockbuster.
Please tell us about your next film Sarainodu?
Sarainodu is like a break from Gona Ganna Reddy’s character. It is a full on mass masala entertainer!
Will you do multi starrer films in the coming future?
I will definitely do but need a good story for that!
Okay..thanks and wish you the best for Rudramadevi!
Thanks a lot!