Director Sriram Adittya has wielded the megaphone for 'Hero', which will be released in theatres on January 15. It marks the debut of actor Ashok Galla. In this interview, Sriram talks about the film, what makes it uniquely appealing, working with the debutant hero, his future plans, and more.
I and Ashok Galla have a similar creative wavelength. Even before I met him and this project came my way, I had the idea of this movie in mind. It would suit a newcomer more. So, I pitched the story and the actor loved it.
The run-time is 130 minutes and it's a fun-filled entertainer. You will not think that you are watching a newcomer's story. A lot of men want to become cinema heroes, given that cinema has a humongous impact on our psyche. Many boyfriends, husbands think of themselves as heroes. 'Hero' is a proper celebration of cinema. I would call it an entertainer, but there is also a new plot point, which you have never seen before.
Since Ashok's character is an aspiring cinema hero, the scope was wide. I tried the Cowboy scenes. I made Ashok do it because he comes from the family of Superstar Krishna garu and Mahesh Babu garu. No get-up is forced. The opening sequence in the movie will be superb. I urge the audience not to miss it!
I don't believe in acting classes. We have so many kicka$$ performers in our industry. I asked Ashok to pick body language types by observing them keenly. 'Hero' is a multi-genre film and nothing is over-the-top. Ashok has dubbed for his own character. There is no problem with his slang. I don't know how to write and read Telugu. Ashok, despite studying in Singapore, knows, reads and writes Telugu. He is a very focused guy.
Thanks to OTT, we are exposed to films from various languages. 'Hero' is not a regular commercial movie that doesn't stick to any formula.
'Bhale Manchi Roju', 'Samanthakamani' and 'Devadasu' were different in their own right. In making 'Hero', I have done my 100%. I will do films where I can do what exactly I want to.
For Padmavathi garu, this is the first movie as a producer. She hails from a film family and has got hands-on experience. She was there on set every day.
Nidhhi Agerwal is a sweet, professional actor. It was very good working with her. She has played glamorous roles only before. In 'Hero', she is a natural performer.
Holding on to our excitement about the project for more than 2 years was the biggest challenge. Covid-19 meant that we couldn't complete the film in 6 months. We didn't make any changes to the story but did increase the span of the project during the pandemic.
Only a debutant actor could have done full justice to a story like 'Hero'. It is not meant for established actors/stars.
Superstar Krishna garu has watched the movie. He really liked it. I hope his judgment turns out to be correct. He has a good history of judging the movies bang on. I am super happy that SS Rajamouli garu is going to release the trailer for 'Hero'. I have watched 'Baahubali' one hundred times!
As of now, I have no plans to do an OTT project. I am up for theatrical experiences, in the main. I might produce an OTT project if things work out.
'Rowdy Boys' is coming out for the festival. I don't see it as competition. 'Bangarraju', too, is beyond competition for us. Everyone wants to watch it. I hope all three films become a hit.
