Excerpts:
Why did you pick ‘The Ghost’?
I have starred in many action movies, but I have never done a stylish action entertainer that has emotion before. I was amazed by the way Praveen Sattaru picturized the action in ‘Garuda Vega’. I called Praveen and told him to make a solid action movie. Then, he penned the story of ‘The Ghost’ with me in mind. I took three weeks of training for action episodes in this film.
You have never done such aggressive promotions before. Why is this movie so special?
There is a nice family line in the story of ‘The Ghost’. The bond between a sister and his brother will be affectionate and great. I loved the characterization of the hero who fights for his sister and family. I always love to do something new. Praveen Sattaru has uniquely presented this story, and you will realize it after watching. The action sequences and the bond between a brother and his sister have been shown brilliantly. I was shocked and impressed after watching the movie. The audience will also feel the same in terms of action when they come out of the theatres. The church fight in the climax will be one of the main highlights of the movie.
Is there any story behind Tamahagane’s weapon in ‘The Ghost’?
There is a back story behind the Tamahagane weapon. Director Praveen Sattaru has narrated to me a very interesting story behind the precious sword, which is not mentioned in this movie. We liked it and unveiled a glimpse of the same. If this movie becomes successful, we will reveal the back story too.
You compared The Ghost with your 1989 film Siva. Is there any reason behind your comparison?
In fact, when I heard the story of this movie, I did not get that comparison. While watching The Ghost, I felt that there was the same emotion that we saw in Siva.
All kinds of elements were shown in the trailer. How did you feel when the story was told with so many elements?
That is the beauty of this film. All the emotions are perfectly balanced. The character of the heroine is also very mature. The relationship between hero and heroine is something new and we haven’t seen such rapport in films recent past.
Along with your film, Chiranjeevi’s ‘God Father’ will also be released on the same day. What would you say about the clash?
We are good friends. There were many instances where two films have released on the same day and became successful. If the film is good, the audience will definitely watch it. Siva movie was released on 5th October. A fan called me and said that Ninne Pelladutha was released on October 4. I told him The Ghost releases in the US on October 4.
There is a trend of re-releasing old films. Will Siva release again?
Absolutely. We are making Siva in 4K digital. At present, the digitalisation work is happening at a brisk pace. Not only that but also all Telugu films should be digitalized. Unfortunately, some of the negatives were damaged.
The Ghost’s cast looks new, doesn’t it?
We have selected the actors who are suitable for the roles. We have tried to create a new visual thereby.
You are starring in Bollywood films. Actors like Salman Khan are doing Telugu films. Can you think that the boundaries have been erased?
Now, there is no such thing as boundaries. If you look at the response to RRR in the US, it seems that not only the borders of the country but also the world have been eroded. My role in Brahmastra also got a good response.
Tell us about The Ghost’s technical team.
‘The Ghost’ is a film with excellent technical values. The audience will realize this after watching the movie. As much as the sound design was applauded in Siva, now the technical values in The Ghost will also be much admired.
How was your experience working with Praveen Sattaru?
Praveen Sattaru is a visionary director. He takes a lot of time for his homework. However, the pre-production that he did was perfectly realistic. Due to his perfect pre-production, the film was wrapped up in just 66 days.
What’s next for you?
There are three stories under discussion. They are in the action drama genre. Also, the talks for my web series’ debut are happening now.