Director Bobby Kolli on "Daaku Maharaaj"

 Bobby Kolli on "Daaku Maharaaj" and Nandamuri Balakrishna's Transformative Performance

Q: What can you tell us about "Daaku Maharaaj"?

Bobby Kolli: "Daaku Maharaaj" centers around the transformation of Sitaram into Daaku Maharaaj. We’ve aimed to create a technically advanced film that emphasizes subtle filmmaking and honest storytelling.

Q: How has it been working with industry legends like Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi?

Bobby Kolli: Both Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi share many qualities as senior actors from the same era. Their discipline and work ethic are remarkable; they are true workaholics. They always prioritize their producers' well-being and are willing to work tirelessly under any conditions, whether it’s scorching heat or pouring rain.

Q: "Daaku Maharaaj" appears to showcase a different side of Balakrishna. Can you elaborate?

Bobby Kolli: Typically, Balakrishna's recent performances have been more pronounced. In this film, we aimed for a more nuanced and restrained portrayal. I’ve always admired his subtle yet powerful performance in "Simha," particularly in the doctor role. My goal was to present him in a similar restrained manner, and I hope we’ve succeeded.

Q: Do Balakrishna's films usually include larger-than-life sequences? How does "Daaku Maharaaj" compare?

Bobby Kolli: We intentionally avoided any exaggerated sequences in this film. Our focus was on creating an honest narrative, keeping the storytelling grounded in realism.

Q: Can you share your experience working with producer Naga Vamsi?

Bobby Kolli: Naga Vamsi is incredibly passionate about delivering an exceptional film, especially with Nandamuri Balakrishna. He was uncompromising on technical aspects, which is why we brought in DOP Vijay Karthik Kannan. The visuals have received significant praise as a result.

Q: What was your experience working with the three heroines in the film?

Bobby Kolli: It was a fantastic experience collaborating with them. The film features two primary heroines: Shraddha Srinath and Pragya Jaiswal, with Urvashi adding a glamorous touch. Shraddha has a substantial scope for performance, and we also have Chandini Chowdary in a significant role.

Q: Shooting in Rajasthan must have been challenging. Can you elaborate on that?

Bobby Kolli: While actors and directors have some comforts, I often worry about the crew. They faced intense heat without adequate protection like umbrellas, and their challenges were far greater than ours. I have immense respect for their dedication and hard work.

Q: What is one quality you've learned from Nandamuri Balakrishna?

Bobby Kolli: Discipline. I already maintain some discipline in my work, but witnessing Balakrishna Garu’s dedication has motivated me to adopt even more.

Q: How would you describe Bobby Deol?

Bobby Kolli: Bobby Deol is an incredibly humble person. He is punctual and delivered a remarkable performance in the film, maintaining a subtle yet impactful approach.

Q: What is the runtime of "Daaku Maharaaj"?

Bobby Kolli: The runtime of "Daaku Maharaaj" is 2 hours and 27 minutes, including all statutory cards.