Last year, MS Raju wielded the megaphone for '7 Days 6 Nights', a youthful romantic drama. His upcoming directorial, 'Malli Pelli', is about older individuals (played by VK Naresh and Pavitra Lokesh) and their mid-life love life.
The director is confident that the audience will find meaty content in 'Malli Pelli'. "There is love, emotion, intense drama, and a sensational plot point in the movie. We have chartered unexpected territory. You will comprehend the film's USP when you watch it on May 26," Raju says.
People are asking me if the film is about the real-life love story of Naresh and Pavitra. I don't want to answer it categorically. I just want to say that the audience won't feel cheated. It has been tricky as to what to reveal and what not to reveal before the film's release. It hasn't been easy to find an answer.
'Malli Pelli' is not a timepass movie. It has got an intense mood. There can't be lust between two middle-aged people. This has been the hardest project in my career. I have previously worked with big stars. When I make films like 'Dirty Hari' and 'Malli Pelli', I am alone. I am the writer of my directorials.
You will find a few unexpected plot points in the movie. I was thrilled shooting them. It was challenging. This film gave me BP! A major sequence was written and rewritten for six days at a stretch. I was insanely self-absorbed while writing it. So much so, people around me were worried. That sequence is a turning point in the story.
Vijaya Krishna Movies was founded by Superstar Krishna garu and Vijaya Nirmala garu. When Krishna garu was told about the project, he gave us the go-ahead. He asked us to do it the right way. We are aware that, if we don't do justice, he won't forgive us. Don't think that 'Malli Pelli' is all about the romance between the lead pair. The film is something else totally. Some of the films done by Krishna garu and Vijaya Nirmala garu on the banner were ahead of their times. I am conscious of the track record of the banner.
'Malli Pelli' was not written with Naresh in mind. Even 'Okkadu' was not written with Mahesh Babu in mind. I and Gunasekhar chose him after the story was ready. This is not to say that 'Malli Pelli' is entirely fictional. I am not allowed to say some things. If you want to watch this movie believing that it is based on real-life events, you are free to do so!
I am ready to screen the movie to the media much before the film's release next Friday. I will take a decision soon. I am not afraid of the film's plot getting revealed to the audience.
I have extracted the most from Naresh. He has worked with the likes of Jandhyala garu. But 'Malli Pelli' had him go the extra mile. Even if everyone clapped after he gave a take, he would want to go for a fresh take.
'Malli Pelli' taps into a contemporary social issue. Many marriages are unhappy these days. There was a time when wives were not working. They are earning these days. Women have become stronger, more individualistic, and more financially independent than before. Family courts are growing in number. 'Malli Pelli' brings out such issues in a commercial space. It proposes a solution. I am not the government to order people to follow certain norms. But we have offered a persuasive solution.
I have always been up-to-date and trendy. Even young actors are wary of doing bold stories. I want to take up the subjects that scare even youngsters. I can't do a 'Manasantha Nuvve 2' today. I want to create a sensation by taking up unconventional projects. I want to change with the audience's changing tastes. If we are incapable of change, it's better we retire gracefully and play with our grandkids at home!
