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ON TO FRESH
CHALLENGES
The doyen of Telugu cinema completes 37 years in films
on November 16. It was 36 years ago to the day that he launched
an NT Rama Rao starrer. Since then, he’s built his production
house and studio brick by brick. His Guinness record of making more
than 100 films will surely take some beating. But the modest, reticent
filmmaker doesn’t believe in basking in the glory of records.
On the eve of the release of his Sunil Shetty, Sushmita Sen starrer,
Aaghaaz, the producer-turned-MP talks to SCREEN...
After 37
years in films, and with more than 110 films against your name,
is there anything more for you to achieve?
Ha! Now, that’s an interesting question. Even now, I feel I’m
still learning. That’s because this is one industry where new
trends and styles emerge every couple of months. And producers have
to keep adopting new gameplans with each trend.
To what extent are you involved in the nitty-gritties of production?
I am not the kind of producer who only rains down money and remains
rooted to his chair at other times. I prefer to look into all departments
connected with the film. I am a hands-on producer who is involved
right from the day the film is launched to the day it is released.
I even help my crew members at times so that the work gets finished
on time.
What are the targets you set for yourself when a film is launched?
I am of the view that a film should be completed within three months
of its launch and I always see to it that the actual shooting gets
finished within that time. But sometimes, owing to unavoidable circumstances
it gets delayed. I prefer to work with people who are committed
to the profession. I do not like to work with the so-called stars
who have no dates to spare for you for years. A film should be shot
at a stretch as far as possible. That’s always been my credo.
Talking of Telugu cinema, is it on par with Hindi films in terms
of the larger-than-life image?
The demand for larger-than-life entertainment has been around for
years and the audience has been enjoying it too. But there have
been some exceptions when thought-provoking films were made. I am
of the opinion that films apart from entertaining people, should
make the people sit and think. Unlike most other producers, I do
not believe in blindly aping the latest trends.
Having found a place in the Guinness records for producing more
than 100 films, you now want to make films in all Indian languages.
Any more records in sight?
(Laughs heartily) The idea of making films in all languages is to
reach out to more and more people. I have a feeling that regional
cinema, if promoted in the right manner, has tremendous potential.
You can interact with the people directly. I have already made a
film in Bengali. Now I am about to start a film in Assamese with
Manju Bora.
Producers often say that filmmaking is an art. How far is it true?
See if I have survived for 37 years, it’s purely because of
my hard work and meticulous planning. But does it hold true for
others? What they plan doesn’t always materialise because there
are so many other factors involved. Production costs have gone through
the roof. One has to think seriously about all these factors before
launching another film.
It is said that 60 percent of production costs is pocketed by
the artistes. Does the balance suffice to make a decent film?
I feel it is not, as all other departments are just as important.
If any technician does ordinary work, it will reflect on the quality
of the film. That is the reason why I prefer not to work with those
who demand an unjustifiable price. I’ve always felt that if
one has to throw money into the water, one ought to count before
one does. If you throw blindly, the final outcome could well be
disastrous.
You’re referred to as the doyen of Telugu cinema. How does
it make you feel?
It makes me feel proud and more committed to filmmaking. I have
always stuck to a certain style of filmmaking and it’s worked
for me. I feel others ought to give it a try, too. Producers deserve
respect for the money they invest in the film. The stars ought to
know that a film can never be made if the producers don’t put
their hard-earned money into it. There have been instances when
the stars have dared to tell the producer not to come on the sets.
This really pains me. I dream of an industry where everyone is respected
and works as part of a real team.
What type of subjects do you prefer to work with?
The subject should have universal appeal, and the audience should
identify with it readily. As I said earlier, apart from entertaining,
the film should create an awareness among the audience. So subjects
that appeal to the common man and reflect reality always appeal
to me. My film Aaghaaz is a perfect example of this.
What made you opt for Yogesh Ishwar, a rank newcomer, to direct
Aaghaaz?
He may be new but he’s been learning the craft for years. I
am very happy with his handling of the project. I prefer working
with newcomers or with people who have the talent but lack opportunities.
In the same manner, I made a film with Satish Kaushik and it was
an instant hit.
You’ve made most of your Hindi films with Anil Kapoor. Any
particular reason?
Well, it obviously means we get along well. I’ve had a good
relation with the Kapoor family and it still continues. Now I have
made a film with Sunil Shetty. So now you can’t complain any
more (laughs).
What prompted your foray into politics?
It’s for the social causes alone. I had a feeling that I should
contribute a little of my life for the cause of the poor people.
So I thought politics would give me the right platform. I have initiated
several development works in my constituency since I was elected.
What are your plans for Suresh Production now?
We have signed K Ravi Shankar to direct a film in Hindi featuring
Venkatesh. A film in Tamil is also on the cards.
Padmaraj Nair
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