Waltair Veerayya Gives 100% Entertainment That The Audience Expects From Me: Megastar Chiranjeevi
Waltair Veerayya Gives 100% Entertainment That The Audience Expects From Me: Megastar Chiranjeevi
Megastar Chiranjeevi, Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja and director Bobby Kolli (KS Ravindra)'s most awaited movie 'Waltair Veerayya' is all set to thrill the fans and audiences in theatres from January 13th. This movie starring Shruti Haasan opposite Chiranjeevi is being produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar under Mythri Movie Makers banner. The trailer of the movie enthused fans and it got an overwhelming response from all corners. The songs in the album, Boss Party, Sridevi Chiranjeevi, Title Track and Poonakalu Loading became blockbuster hits. Megastar Chiranjeevi interacted with the media today and made some interesting revelations:
Waltair Veerayya has a vintage vibe. Did that character give you the young-age vibe again while shooting?
Audiences and fans prefer to see me in commercial films. I want to do all kinds of roles in different genres of movies. I did films like Subhalekha, Swayam Krushi, Mantri Gari Viyyankudu. But it’s important that producers and buyers of my movies are safe, I started giving importance to movies that are commercially viable. In my comeback, I played a freedom fighter in Sye Raa, a powerful character without songs in GodFather. Both movies gave me satisfaction as an actor and they did well commercially as well. Coming to Waltair Veerayya, the movie gives 100% entertainment that the audience expects from me. There will also be a chance to remind vintage Chiranjeevi. Waltair Veerayya gave an opportunity to re-collect films like Mutha Mestri, Gharana Mogudu and Rowdy Alludu. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the movie. Bobby worked really hard and he made sure the movie has all the elements that will cheer fans.
What differences did you notice in Ravi Teja then and now?
Ravi Teja was still the same man. After he became a star, I didn’t notice any changes in him. There’s same energy in him. Even his eating habits have not changed. The same love and enthusiasm are still there. Ravi Teja's character in Waltair Veerayya adds more weight to the story. There is a lot of emotion in his character.
A huge set was erected for a song. What do you say about lavish making of Mythri Movie Makers?
Producers like Mythri Movie Makers are rare to find. They make films on an uncompromised manner. But I always used to caution them on budget. I used to tell them that the industry needs producers like them. I told Bobby the same thing. Bobby did a wonderful job and he made sure there was not much wastage. I strongly feel directors also have the responsibility to look after the welfare of the producers. While shooting in Maredimilli for an action block, the sooner we finish there, the better it would be for producers. Every day, it cost 40 lakhs for producers. We had discussions with fight master Peter Heine and came up with a proper plan to wrap it up within our estimated budget. We also shot the movie in Malaysia.
Your film always comes first for Sankranti. But not this time. Why did you take that decision?
I feel very happy that Mythri Movie Makers are releasing two films for the festival. Everybody wants to take advantage of the festival and there indeed will have space for n number of movies for Sankranthi. However, I felt that giving one day gap won’t dent the revenue of any movie. So, I stepped back and Waltair Veerayya is coming on 13th.
Will your outfits in Waltair Veerayya will become a trend like Indra shirts?
In the past, Indra and Gang Leader shirts became a trend. I played a fisherman character in Waltair Veerayya. There’s a scope for him to appear rich. Sushmita has designed the costumes in a mass-appealing manner. I have never worn such massy outfits earlier.
Technology has changed a lot in the last 30 years. How is Bobby going to show you as a fan?
I strongly believe in content. Likewise, Bobby also believes in content. That's why we got connected to each other. We used the technology as per the requirement. Bobby scored more marks as a director than as a fan.
How did you feel about you and Ravi Teja exchanging dialogues in Waltair Veerayya?
This is the idea that came to director Bobby as a fanboy. We both agreed to it. It was a fanboy moment for Ravi Teja who loves me so much to mouth my dialogue, while I felt it was fun to say Ravi Teja's dialogue because he’s like my younger brother.
What’s the scope for entertainment in Waltair Veerayya?
My character in Waltair Veerayya can be compared with my characterization in films like Mutha Mestri, Gharana Mogudu, and the first half of Annayya. Every scene will be entertaining. Especially families will enjoy the movie a lot with their children.
What was the main point that attracted you when Bobby narrated this story?
When I listen to any story, I especially see the emotion in it. Songs and fights are extra attractions. Emotion connects and touches the audience. There is such great emotion in Waltair Veerayya's story. That's why I okayed the story in the first narration, without any second thought.
How is your chemistry with Shruti Haasan? How will be the dances?
Shruti Haasan is the daughter of Kamal Haasan. Dance is in her DNA. She can dance effortlessly. But dancing in extreme cold was a challenge. She worked very hard. I want to work with her again.
About Devi Sri Prasad's music?
Devi Sri Prasad is very energetic. He put in his heart and soul to compose music for Waltair Veerayya. He wrote the song Sridevi Chiranjeevi with a lot of naughtiness. So is Boss Party song. I like all the songs in the movie. Neekemo Aandamekkuva is my favourite song.
How’s it working with director Bobby?
As I said in the pre-release event, I have become a fan of Bobby. I became a fan after seeing his hard work. He came back to shoot, just after 4 days, after his father passed away. Hats off to his commitment. I became a fan of his commitment.
