Bharath of 'Premisthe' and 'Yuvasena' fame is making a comeback in Telugu. 'Hunt', to be released in theatres on January 26, is his next big project. Starring Sudheer Babu in the lead, the film is produced by V Ananda Prasad of Bhavya Creations.
In this interview, Bharath talks about the film, his character in it, his busy schedule in Kollywood, his dream Telugu actor, and more.
My mainstream is Tamil. Automatically, I started to focus more on Kollywood. When Mahesh Surapaneni narrated 'Hunt' to me, I felt it is high time I did a Telugu film. Moreover, Sudheer Babu has been known to me very well for many years. Also, the film is produced by Bhavya Creations.
I have done 12-13 movies in Malayalam. Telugu is the one industry in which I haven't done much work. After 'SPYder', I was offered character roles here. But I couldn't do them for different reasons. I also didn't want to do character roles. 'Hunt' gives me importance. Doing a straight Telugu film had to be special.
The story of 'Hunt' revolves around three characters. I play an IPS officer. A 2019 Tamil film titled 'Kaalidas' wherein I played a cop, did decently well. 'Hunt' has got a number of thrilling elements.
Working with Sudheer Babu and Srikanth Meka sir gives me mileage as an actor. The plot is surely going to thrill everyone. The trailer shows more of action. But the film has a lot of emotional core spun around elements like friendship.
I am part of action sequences, shot in Hyderabad and Paris. My character is somewhat subtle, while Sudheer's character is masculine. Every action sequence has an emotional connect here. Srikanth sir plays a senior officer who has got no action part.
I am satisfied with what I have been getting in Tamil. I have tasted a fair amount of success and failure. I have thoroughly enjoyed this process. I want to work in different industries and with multiple actors.
At the end of the day, an actor has to act in front of the camera regardless of which industry it is in. Malayalam is a small industry relatively, while the Telugu industry is known for larger-than-life films. The projection of the script and other things here are huge. People are waiting for good Telugu films so that they can be remade. The production values here are rich. The audience love their favourite stars to do commercial cinema. These days, films here are more logical and thoughtful than ever before. New-age filmmakers are trying to change the outlook of films.
Sudheer is a wonderful person to work with. I and he gel well on the fitness front. I and his character in 'Hunt' complement each other; they are not rivals. Everyone has a very positive aura about the film. Once it becomes successful, a sequel might follow.
I want to do a full-fledged comedy film to put myself to the test. Directors have offered me action, and emotional films. I hope someone offers me a comedy. I also want to play a RAW agent or a spy. It will be exciting!
In Telugu, I like the films made by Rajamouli, Trivikram and Sukumar. I would love to work with Allu Arjun. I started my career when 'Gangotri' came in 2003 or so. I was supposed to headline its Tamil remake, actually. It's true that 'Premisthe' and 'Yuvasena' popularized me in Telugu. But I couldn't capitalize on it because I have been too busy in Tamil. My next film is my 50th outing. Every actor would want to diversify his market.
I keep everything stress-free. That's why I look fit. I take cinema seriously and discipline follows. Whatever has to happen in life will happen to you. It's destiny.
'Munnarivaan' and 'Love' are among my next films in Tamil. 'Hunt' is my first release this year. I go by instinct. I don't seek advice from too many people. Listening to too many people will confuse you. I choose my own scripts. I go by the producer's name, the distribution potential, etc. It's not easy to sustain in the Tamil film industry. If content is not good, your film is finished right after the Friday morning show. Social media has become huge, and the audience have become very brainy.
