Nandamuri Balakrishna's 98th film, 'Lion', is slated for a release on May 14th worldwide. On this occasion, producer Rudrapati Ramanarao speaks about the film in an interview with us...

Excerpts..

How is 'Lion' going to be ?

'Lion' will entertain not only Nandamuri fans, but also all the Telugu audiences. It is a very different film and the other side of Balakrishna's acting will be seen. First half will entertain the family audiences and there is a good entertainment quotient. Second half will be massive with good action episodes.

Reason behind titling the film as 'Lion' ?

There are two reasons behind titling the film as Lion. One is Balakrishna. He is a Lion. The other reason is the forty six thousand Lions clubs all over the world. They are doing good service to the people. Balakrishna is also doing good philanthropic activities as a Hindupur MLA and as Basavatarakam Cancer hospital chairman.

Why did you decide to do a different film with Balakrishna ?

I am a big fan of Balakrishna. I want to see him in films like Samarasimha Reddy, Narasimha Naidu etc. Another director and I approached Balakrishna with such a script. But Balakrishna said that he wanted to do a different film, as he did many such films. We liked the different script narrated by Satya Deva and that was how the film started.

What are the elements you liked in the story as a producer ?

The script is entirely different. When we watch some films, we relate them with scenes in some other films. But every scene in this film will be new. I am very happy with the output of the film as a fan and also as a producer. We have not compromised regarding the budget and the quality will be very good.

What about Satya Deva's direction ?

Initially, I had some doubts on how Satya Deva will direct the movie, as he is a new director. But his taking is super. Balakrishna will be seen in a very new avatar as he did in Simha.

How is the response to the audio ?

Mani Sharma and Balakrishna worked together for many musical hits earlier. The response to this audio is on par with those films. Three to four songs have garnered a good response.

How is Balakrishna's role going to be ?

Balakrishna played a role with two different shades in this film. One is a sincere CBI officer's role and the other should be seen only on the screen.

What are the reasons behind the delay of this film ?

We planned to release the film on May 8th. The CG work was completely done in Chennai and due to delay in the work, the copy to overseas was not sent in time. The death of DTS Madhu, one day before the DTS work is also one of the reasons. So we postponed the film to 14th.

How is it working with Balakrishna ?

As I said earlier I am a big fan of Balakrishna. When I first met him, we talked for 45 minutes. We share a very good bond now. Even when I was not at the shooting spot, he took care of everything. He encouraged me well. I am really happy to have worked with him.

What are the highlights of this film ?

As this is a very different film, we can't say that a particular element is the highlight. But the Interval bang, the newly designed tribal fight in the second half and the climax will be the highlights. Ram - Laxman choreographed the action sequences very well.

What are your next projects ?

Balakrishna is getting ready for his 99th and 100th films now and if I get a chance, I am ready to produce this 101st film.

NBK Lion Trailers