Gunasekhar's passion for cinema is well-known. But little did anyone except that he will produce a huge budgeted historical film like 'Rudhramadevi', which is India's first historical stereoscopic 3D film. He says that only the story of the film has driven him to invest so much on the project. In an interview, he talks about the film, why he made the film in 3D, Anushka, Allu Arjun etc.

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What is the reason behind making this film in 3D ? What were the problems you faced ?

We have faced many problems to shoot the film in 3D. It takes 40 minutes to change the lens for every shot, as we have used two cameras and we would face problems with the alignment. But we wanted the film in high standards technically and so didn't compromise, though it took a lot of time. We took care of every detail to shoot the film.

Do you think that Rudhramadevi will work out commercially ?

Many producers have suggested me that the film will work out commercially, if it is made in the point of view of Gona Gannareddy. But I saw only the story of Rudramadevi, her bravery and sensibilities. This film is more commercial than 'Okkadu'. I believed in the caliber of Rudhramadevi and started this project. This is a film, which would be produced by big studio owners.But I risked and did the film believing in myself. I also gained knowledge about new technology.

Was Anushka your first option to play Rudhramadevi ?

When I was on lookout for an actress to play Rudhramadevi, I felt if Anushka does it, there will be the influence of Arundathi. But many suggested that she is the right choice.

I didn't approach Mahesh and NTR for the Gona Gannareddy role. They know about the story about the long time back and they were interested to play the role. We used to regularly meet and discuss about it. But the news was out somehow. But Allu Arjun came and asked if he can do the role. Though I gave a flop like Varudu to him, he said that he was ready to do whatever I want for Rudhramadevi. He said that he was just a phone call away. It is his greatness. He acted in the film very well.

When did you decide to make a film based on Rudramadevi's story ?

When I was in 8th Standard, I read the story of Rudhramdevi in Telugu non-detail. It inspired me a lot. When I was working as an assistant director in Chennai, I watched 'Brave Heart'. We rarely see such films. After 1970s, we rarely saw new genre films. So I decided to do a film in a different genre and wanted to do Rudhramadevi since then.

What is the reason behind the delay of the project ?

Actually, I wanted to start Rudhramadevi after 'Okkadu'. It was also announced in 'Super Hit'. But no producer came forward to produce the film. Then after, though the pre-production started, the producers backed out, as they were not confident that the film will work out. They were not ready to invest 20-25 crores in 2004 on a female centric film. They suggested me to make the film in the point of view of Gona Gannareddy.But I was not ready to do it.

After 'Okkadu', I was the highest paid director in South. But the graph has gradually fallen, because of Rudhramadevi story haunted me. So I decided to produce the film myself. Only the story of Rudhramadevi has driven me to produce the film.

Many thought I found a hidden treasure. Yes, the hidden treasure is Rudhramadevi story

Didn't you feel it is a risk to invest so much on the movie ?

Someone should take risk, if we have to do introduce new technology. When we wanted to introduce DTS with 'Choodalani Vundi', no one encouraged us. But we dared and now you can't find a theatre without DTS technology. We also introduced Digital Intermediate (DI) with 'Sainikudu'. We had seen 3D films like Kuttichathan long back. But we are more updated now. Now there is digital 3D. We can convert 2D to 3D using that technology. But we shot Rudhramadevi in Stereoscopic 3D.

At which point of life in Rudhramadevi, the film starts and when does it end ?

The film starts with the birth of Rudhramadevi and ends with a celebration in her rule. The film reflects the situations in 13th century, the history of Kakathiyas, the bravery or Rudhramadevi. It is not possible to tell the story of Kakathiyas in a duration of 2 hours and 38 mintues.

We heard that you've done a course in 3D ?

I did a crash course in London for understanding 3D technology. I did trail shoot in Germany. Only after gaining knowledge, I started working on Rudramadevi.

What is the specialty of stereoscopic 3D ?

For stereoscopic 3D, we should also shoot the film in 3D. It is not possible to convert 2D to 3D in this format. Two cameras work at the same time. It is like left eye and right eye. Two lenses are needed. We shoot merging the two frames. It would have better quality output than when converted from 2D to 3D.

After 'Baahubali', the market of Telugu cinema increased. How much did it help your film ?

Actually, we started 'Rudhramadevi' before 'Baahubali' and business of our film was also closed before Baahubali released. But after that film, the market increased, but because of prior commitments, I've given film to whom I promised. Because of Baahubali, the business for the Hindi version of our film is very good. Baahubali is the most expensive Indian movie, but Rudhramadevi is not only a film with high standards technically, but also India's first historical stereoscopic 3D movie.

Gunasekhar added that the film was possible only because of the co-operation of artists and technicians like Ilayaraja, Srikar Prasad, Neeta Lulla, Thota Tarani etc.