Senior producer Ms Raju is a highly successful producer and he is one of the most sensible filmmaker in Tollywood. He is known for super hit films like ‘Satruvu’, ‘Deviputrudu’, ‘Manasantha Nuvve’, ‘Okkadu’, ‘Varsham’ and ‘Nuvvosthanante Nenoddantana’ and some others. Sumanth Arts banner which delivered several commercial films with best technical values and with huge budget, has now completed 25 years. He had many hits in a row. He has provided story and screenplay for the recently released ‘Columbus’ that starred Sumanth Ashwin. On this occasion, he met with the media. Here are the excerpts from the long chitchat.
You have taken very big gap to provide the story and screenplay for this ‘Coumbus’! Any reason?
I went through several scripts. But I was not impressed with any story. Finally I decided to make the film with my son Sumanth with the script which was at me. I liked the emotions in the story. I’m very happy that the film stood as biggest hit for my son Sumanth Ashwin’s career. I wish that he should climb the ladder of success without any obstacles. Therefore I’m paying much attention to perfectly plan my son’s career. That is why I stayed away from the production.
Why have you stayed away from the production?
Actually I’m enjoying my son’s success as hero than my successes as producer. As a father I’m feeling very proud that my son Ashwin has achieved four big successes out of six film.
It’s been 52 years, your association with film industry… How do you feel?
I experienced many ups and downs. But it didn’t bother me at all. We should strive hard for another success and should go ahead by updating ourselves.
Can you share with us some good memories with the industry in this long run?
I’ve many sweet memories in this long run. Nearly 7 Lakhs people have attended the 100 days festival of ‘Okkadu’ which was held in Vijayawada. I was greeted with whistles and applause and it is an unforgettable experience. I’m continuing good relationship with Prabhas and Mahesh Babu. We often meet each other. I feel very proud that Mahesh Babu, Prabhas and Prabhu Deva who worked under our banner, are in the top positions now.
Tell us about the films which have given you satisfaction?
First two film ‘Shatruvu’ and ‘Police Lockup’ which were delivered from our banner, stood as good start for our banner. It’s not a simple thing to score consecutive successes for new comers in film industry. But, Sumanth Arts banner has carved a special image with unforeseen successes. Some films like ‘Street Fighter’, ‘Pournami’ and ‘Vaana’ have disappointed me. ‘Devi Putrudu’ stood as a trend setter. Especially, underwater scenes have received good appreciations in technology wise. After that, small budget film ‘Manasantha Nuvve’ became big success and taken our banners reputation to the next level. I’ve given the story and screenplay for that film. Though ‘Nee Sneham’ was not a big success commercially as we expected, it stood as a good film in my heart. After that Mahesh’s ‘Okkadu’, Prabhas’s ‘Varsham’ and Siddharth’s ‘Nuvvosthanante Nenoddantana’ stood as super-duper hits. Though I tasted failure with ‘Pournami’, I got encouragement and enlightenment with Siddhardha starrer ‘Aata’. Ram starrer ‘Maska’ also given good results.
How do you update yourself with the present trends?
I go theaters and watch all films of any language since 25 years. So that I can perceive the taste of audience by myself. Therefore I’m able to provide the story and screenplay for the youthful entertainer ‘Columbus’. I’m very confident that my career again begins with the success of ‘Columbus’.
How do you want to see your son?
Star heroes like Aamir Khan and Ajith started their career with romantic hero image. As time goes on they rose as mass heroes. I didn’t expect Aamir Khan will do films like ‘PK’ and ‘Dhoom’. My son is also doing youthful and family entertainers and carving such image. I insisted Ashwin to do experimental films after gaining good image.
Tell us about your future strategies?
I’m paying much attention to perfectly plan my son’s career since four years. That is why I stayed away from the production. I’ve plans to make a film with a top hero along with my son. As of now I don’t want to reveal the details. Recently, I approached Mahesh Babu. He accepted to act in our combination.
