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'It was challenging to act in Bezawada'
Naga Chaitanya's first release this year, 100 % Love, rocked at the box office. His second film, Dhada, an action entertainer, was disappointing.
Now the young hero has got an opportunity to act in a Ram Gopal Varma production titled Telugu film, Bezawada, directed by debutant Vivek Krishna. Although the film was ridden with controversies, it is slated for release on December 1.
Chaitanya talks about the Bezawada experience to Radhika Rajamani.
What prompted you to sign Bezawada?
Primarily, the script. The fact that it was a Ram Gopal Varma production was a bonus. It was nice as an actor to be associated with him.
Is the story supposed to be about the rivalry between two leaders?
It's the tale of two families and their rivalries. It's more of a revenge drama. Ram Gopal Varma didn't tell me the real story. After he made Rakta Charitra, people thought this would also be a real story.
'The film has a typical RGV school of violence'
What's your role like?
I'm the youngest brother in one family and a student.
How challenging was it for you to essay this role?
I had heard of the film through the media. When Varma approached me, I was shocked as I had this lover boy image and he was asking me to do a role in Bezawada. I was excited to do something that people don't expect from me. For me, it was a personal challenge to prove myself as an actor.
Is there a lot of violence in the film?
There is. It's the typical RGV school of violence. The families are violent. But even in the violence, there's a love story.
Did you have to go the extra mile in terms of acting?
Mentally it was a challenge as I haven't done something like this before. I enjoy action a lot but I'm not used to blood. I had to go the extra mile in terms of expression and energy.
'Amla's character blends with my character in the film'
Does Amala Paul, who is making her Telugu debut in the film have much to do?
Amala's character is equal to mine, it blends with mine. The dots are very well connected. There's everything in the film -- action, love and comedy.
How was it shooting with Amala Paul?
It was great. She is full of energy. We wanted someone raw and rustic, and she brought out that characterisation well. Watch Amala for her performance.
The film was shot amidst huge crowds in Vijayawada. Was the shooting experience terrifying?
It was shocking at first. I didn't expect this kind of a crowd. It was the first time for me, and yes, it was terrifying initially. After that, it was exciting. The crowds used to cheer and they wanted to shake hands. I used to interact with people on a regular basis every day.
'Working with Abhimanyu was terrifying as he can scare you'
Vivek Krishna is directing his first film. How was it working with him?
I was introduced to Vivek by Ram Gopal Varma. They had designed the story and set it up before contacting me. Vivek's strongest points are his dialogues (he's written for films like Simha, Kick etc).
It was great working with him and he's a perfect mix of commercial with RGV's uniqueness.
The film has an ensemble cast -- Prabhu, Abhimanyu Singh, Mukul Dev, Ajay and comedians like Brahmanandam and M S Narayana.
The main antagonist is Abhimanyu Singh. Everyone has a key role. They play an equal role in this hero-centric film. It was great acting with Prabhu who is a family friend. With Abhimanyu, it was terrifying as he can scare you.
He is so real as an actor. If he screams, he really screams; he doesn't care about anything while giving his shot because he is so much into his acting.
What was Ram Gopal Varma's role besides being the producer?
The idea of making the film was his. I don't know how he and Vivek met. They designed the script. Ram Gopal Varma was involved in the pre-production (planning, discussion of the script) and post-production (editing, re-recording). He was not involved during the shoot. He's also contributing to the publicity.
'The film gave me an opportunity to showcase myself as an actor'
Ram Gopal Varma made Shiva which was a turning point in your father Nagarjuna's career. Do you think Bezawada will be the turning point in your career?
When RGV and my father did Shiva, they didn't think it would be so successful. Shiva and Bezawada are two different films. Bezawada will have RGV's look.
About success, I have no idea. We have done our best. The film gave me an opportunity to showcase myself as an actor.
You are now shooting for Autonagar Surya directed by Devakatta.
Autonagar can be based out of any place. There are Autonagar's everywhere. We have done two schedules. Devakatta is fabulous and a perfectionist. He's very involved with cinema. I feel the way he's telling the story is great.
Is it like Prasthanam?
It's far superior to Prasthanam.