“‘Manam’ is a movie about ourselves, our family, the bonding between husband and wife, father and son. ‘Manam’ is a feel good film which people from all walks of life, from young to old will experience a joy ride”, says Nagarjuna, whose ‘Manam’ starring him, Naga Chaitanya and Late Akkineni Nageshwara Rao is hitting screens today, the 23rd May, 2014. Written and directed by Vikram Kumar (Ishq fame), the film also featuring Shriya Saran and Samantha in key roles and Amitabh Bachchan in a cameo is produced by Nagarjuna under Annapurna Studios banner. Anoop Rubens rendered the music.
‘Manam’ is the first of its kind movie in Telugu cinema that features heroes of three generations from the same family. Hence, Nagarjuna calls it as a special movie not just to him but to his entire family. In the interview below, he talked about how he got the idea, casting and the beautiful journey.
Tell us a little bit about your new film ‘Manam’?
‘Manam’ is a movie about ourselves and circumstances that surrounded us. Outcome of the film is great. I’m sure the audience will enjoy this feel good family entertainer.
Is the story connected to your real life incidents?
The word ‘Manam’ shows the signs of love, feelings and bonding between people. The story elevates the human relations such as bonding between husband and wife, parents and children, etc.
How did this project begin?
Post ‘100% Love’, an idea struck my mind like how would it be if I, dad and Chaitanya do a film together. And I shared the same with my dad. Dad too felt the same. He said that he was pretty much impressed with Chaitu’s performance after watching ‘100% Love’. In the process we heard umpteen number of stories, but all appeared very routine. One fine day, Vikram Kumar approached me through Nithin’s father Sudhakar Reddy and narrated a story. I liked it as I could find several interesting points in it. But that happened when ‘Ishq’ was on sets. So I told him to meet me once again after completion of ‘Ishq’. And sincerely followed what I said. That’s how ‘Manam’ began.
What was your dad’s involvement in it?
At first, I narrated the story to Raghavendra Rao garu because he knows how to deal stories of this genre. But since Vikram narrated it in a simple manner, dad got himself involved and listened to the entire story for six house patiently and made small changes in the script. Later Vikram took a year’s time to complete the script work.
Before ‘Manam’, you have done several landmark movies in your career. How do you rate ‘Manam’ as?
I’ve never rated my films so far in my career. I experimented characters in several films, like for example, I did ‘Annamayya’ after ‘Ninne Pelladutha’. So in this manner I always did films with a feel deep inside my heart. Similarly, I did ‘Manam’ with great passion and love. It’s is a special movie not just for me, but to my entire family.
What’s your comment on Chaitanya’s performance?
Chaitanya, as an actor, has shown amazing improvement in his acting in each film right from his first film. He played a very nice role in this film too.
Speaking about Amitabh Bachchan ji, you have worked with him in few Hindi films in the past and also did a commercial ad recently. Now, tell us about him being part of a Telugu film, which happened for the first time.
Dad used to like Amitabh garu personally and so his acting. I think I never praised any actor as much as he praised him. On the other hand, Amitabh garu also considered himself lucky to be part of a film that features actors of three generations. He played a cameo in the film only with due respects on dad.
Is Akhil part of the film too?
No! He used to visit sets regularly to meet dad. Our entire family took a group photo in the end. So it was mistaken as Akhil being part of the film.
What’s next on Annapurna Studios banner?
We are currently making Naga Chaitanya’s film which is being directed by Vijay Kumar Konda (Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde fame). Similarly, we also planned to collaborate with Sun Shine Movies banner for another film.
Also could you please tell us about forthcoming projects?
I’m doing a multi-starrer film with NTR under Vamsi Paidipally’s direction for PVP banner. I’m very much impressed with the script and my character as well. Right now the script work is going on.
Nagarjuna concluded the press conference saying, “I’m currently busy with a game show ‘Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu’. This show will be aired from June 9 in MAA TV. I did this show with great excitement as it inspires several people too. Amitabh garu also encouraged me to do this show. And ‘Manam’ is a clean family entertainer. I’m pretty sure the audience is going to love it.”
