Kartikeya Gummakonda's 'Bedurulanka 2012' will be released in theatres on August 25. In this interview, the 'RX 100' actor says that debutant director Clax pitched the story to him at a time when he was planning to do something unique. The 'Yugantham' idea forms the foundational block of the story, but the film's focal point is something else.
Co-starring Neha Shetty, Ajay Ghosh and others, the film has music by Mani Sharma. Produced by Loukya Entertainments, the dramedy is touted to be atypical.
Although we used to hear a lot about the end of the world by 2012, I was not scared as a youngster. I would think that disaster would befall everyone, not just me. So, I was chilled (laughs). I felt scientists would do something to save the world.
There was a time when, as a college-going student, I would think I was wise. I thought I knew life. Years later, I feel I know nothing.
'Bedurulanka' is a blend of humour and thought-provoking situations that feel real. Clax's treatment is in such a way that comedy will be the first takeaway. This is not a regular fun film where punchlines matter. This is a meaningful dramedy where the humour stems from the atypical situations that are there. The audience will love to see the characters in curious situations.
My name is Shiva in the movie. In a scene, I have to deliver a punchline (that you see towards the end of the trailer). A short name like Shiva would not have been punchy. That's why Chiranjeevi's real name, Shiva Shankar Vara Prasad, has been used. Otherwise, there is no reference to him in the story.
Shiva minds his own business, never troubles others, and feels that others shouldn't worry about his health if he smokes. His thinking and his actions are consistent with each other. He stands by his principles and never embarks on something that is against his convictions. What happens if such a person faces some challenges?
Although director Clax has worked under RGV before, he has got his own style. Clax has learned a lot by working under him.
Ram Charan garu appreciated us after watching the trailer. He also spoke nicely about me, Neha Shetty and the shot-making evident in the trailer.
'RX 100' has been such a big hit that even North Indians have watched it. Had I known its range, I might not have done some movies that did. I would have been more careful. Sometimes, we get carried away and accept a movie just because a few scenes are good. The flow and mood have to be taken into consideration by looking at the script as a whole. You tend to make mistakes when you are trying new genres. At the same time, you shouldn't make missteps with fundamental things (like the story).
I debuted in Tamil with 'Valimai'. Exciting offers haven't come my way from Kollywood post that. If something good comes my way, I will take up. As an actor, I enjoy playing negative roles. There are no boundaries, you can show maximum swag. Vikram K Kumar (Nani's 'Gang Leader') and H Vinoth ('Valimai') are talented directors. The technicians (music directors of those movies) also elevated my performance. Doing those movies helped me learn on the technical front.
Pressure is always there for any movie. More than pressure, this time, I am excited. 'Bedurulanka' is strong on nativity, comedy and commerciality. My confidence in the movie's success has always been high.
In 'RX 100', the heroine had a lust for the hero. In 'Bedurulanka', you can't expect such a vibe. Neha Shetty plays a village girl who is naive and innocent. She is the daughter of the village head. She is calm. On the other hand, he is so bold that he can confess love in the presence of a crowd. It's not easy for a hero-heroine duo to strike chemistry. We could really feel the scent of strong chemistry between me and Neha even while the film was in the making.
The film goes beyond the 'Yugantham' concept. Two fake godmen (Jabardasth Ram Prasad and Srikanth Iyengar) don't represent their religions. They are misusing religious scriptures for self-gratification. Our film doesn't offend any religion and religious practices. Unless someone deliberately provokes a controversy, everything should be smooth.
Mani Sharma's more important job was the background score. Only he could have interpreted the story, the characters and the moods this well. We are fortunate that he worked on the movie. He did 'Bedurulanka' as if it was his first outing.
