Bobby didn't shot to fame when he debuted with Power in 2014 as much as when he bagged Pawan Kalyan's film later that year. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the director talks about how the film happened to him, working with Pawan, why the trailer was cut in such a way as to tell the story line, his rapport with Ravi Teja, and more.

How has the experience of making SGS been?

I have received more kick than ever in the past. I feel lucky to have got to work with Pawan Kalyan quite early in my career.

How did you feel when your name was finalized?

I had been worked with Pawan Kalyan every day for one month. But till the announcement was made to the press, I couldn't believe I was in. it was all dream-like. I didn't tell even close friends, except my family members.

What do you think did Pawan like in you? Did he watch Power?

Ya, he had watched Power. I don't know what exactly he liked in me. But he told me that he likes my spontaneity, fun elements, and my commercial thoughts.

Did you suggest any changes to the story given by Pawan?

He gave me total freedom to adapt the story. I sat down with Pawan Kalyan for five months almost daily. We had regular sittings. I thank him and Sharrat Marar garu for the leeway.

Why did you have to erect a separate set for the movie?

The idea of Rattanpur came out of Pawan Kalyan's vision. He had an idea as to how the village should look, the colours, the people's costumes and all.

How much of the film was shot on Rattanpur set?

Only that part of the story which takes part here was shot on this set. The other portions were shot in a palace in Gujarat, among others. The episodes related to the villain were shot in Pune. We have shot in Kerala as well.

How much did the set cost?

Approximately Rs. 5 cr. Brahma Kadali designed the set as we had visualized, that too, in a short span of time. We have conveyed the importance of the set wherever relevant in the film.

What are the major highlights of SGS?

As a fan of Pawan Kalyan, I would say the three big highlights are: Pawan's introduction scene, the interval bang, and the climax. The villain's episodes are also very good. Kajal Aggarwal's introduction has come out very well.

How was it making Pawan do those risky shots?

Not that there are risky shots. But without even us asking, Pawan Kalyan did many difficult shots. In the last two months, he toiled like anything. He was suffering from high temperature of 103 degrees fever. when he would take so much time to get up and come to the shooting spot. Despite back pain, he didn't care and would be energetic on the sets.

Doesn't the trailer say it all?

I was not daring about conveying the storyline. It was done on Pawan Kalyan's insistence. But you see, in Bollywood, Hollywood, such trailers are common. Despite saying it all, you have to make the audience sit for 2:30 hours. It's not easy. But since our film has come out very well, we didn't fear? There are many misconceptions about the film that it's a sequel, prequel, etc. Crores of people think differently of a film. We wanted to erase all that. We wanted to say everything: this is the conflict, this is how the hero is, this is the villain's agenda, this is the heroine's character. After the trailer was released, the fans told me that they are disappointed. But, of late, they are happy. They tell me on social media that they are now confident about the film. The visual magic, the magic of the screenplay - they are not yet revealed.

What is Ali's role?

He is playing the same character of Samba. He travels with Pawan's character more than in Gabbar Singh. He has greater importance. Pawan himself told Ali that he has to dominate him in certain scenes.

To what extent is SGS a continuation of Gabbar Singh?

Except for the hero's character, all other characters are different. They are at a higher level. Their span is different. The conflict is different.

What is Kajal's role?

She plays the Princess of Rattanpur. Her attributes are virtuous. She loves the village.

When did the idea of dubbing the film in Hindi sprout?

Maybe, Sharrat Marar and Pawan Kalyan had this thought from the beginning. But it was only in Feb that we had clarity.

The dubbed films of Pawan are watched on TV by Northners. Do you think SGS will reach their expectations?

Definitely. There is so much of North Indian nativity here. The conflict, the subject are universal.

There were rumours that Pawan was ghost-directing SGS. How did it feel as a director?

He didn't interfere with the direction at all. As a writer, he gave inputs. The freedom was full-fledged. I still don't believe that Pawan put so much faith in me with such a huge story.

Was it difficult to direct a story written by another?

I never expected that I had the talent to direct a story written by someone else. When Pawan gave me the story, he said that it was his dream. He took 2 ½ years to write it. He said that he trusted only me to make the film.

Some lines like 'Janam tho unta..' sounds political. Isn't it?

There are no political dialogues for the sake of it. As Pawan Kalyan is the leader of a party, sun lines may sound political.

Whose idea was it to go for the 'veena' step?

The idea was to do something that would impressed Chiranjeevi garu. During our discussions, the direction department proposed the Veena step. Pawan Kalyan liked the idea.

What did you learn from Pawan Kalyan?

I learnt that as a writer what one writes, it should be translated on