Mahesh Babu gets talking about his forthcoming release Srimanthudu, being a producer and his kids.

Why did you title the film Srimanthudu?

We thought that (Srimanthudu) would be apt for our subject. After the first schedule, Koratala Siva garu told me that he's considering the title 'Srimanthudu', and I immediately said ok since it would suit our subject.

What made you sign the film?

There are so many elements in the script I was hooked to, not just one. When I heard the story, I was able to instantly connect with it. The film would be like a complete package.

Did Aagadu failure made you be aggressive in promotions?

Nothing like that! We believe that we made a wonderful film with good content, so it's equally our responsibility to ensure that it reaches well out to the audience. So promotion is very important

Why are you co-producing the film?

I was part of production earlier too - under my sister and brother's name. But this time, my name has come into foreground, and nothing beyond that. I'm very happy to co-produce a film like Srimanthudu.

Any reason for coming up with interesting dance moves?

I always try to give my best and it's up to the director and choreographer to get it right (smiles). And this time, I had to thank Raju Sundaram master and Siva because the way they want the dance moves to reflect the song attitude is great. I'm thrilled the way it was shot. I particularly enjoyed grooving for Charu Sheela song.

We heard that you are adopting Burripalem village. Is the script inspired by that?

It's a coincidence! I never thought I would make a film like that. When I was shooting for the film, my brother in law Jaya Galla came to me and suggested that it would nice if I can adopt a village. I thought it would be a good gesture, and I shall soon chalk out the plans with him post release.

How did Koratala Siva and you fond compatibility?

When Siva narrated the script for the first time, I said yes to the film because I felt happy, and later he narrated me the entire script and we started interacting a lot. He used to meet me on the sets of my film, etc. So before we started shooting, we came to know about each other very well. He has immense clarity on how my character to be like, so that made my job. I had to unlearn a lot of things, because Srimanthudu is a strong content-oriented film with a larger than life characterization. At the same time, we had to showcase it in a real way for which I need to behave like the character, and I think I pulled it off.

Do you think Koratala Siva, also being a writer, helped a lot?

Siva is one of the best writers in the industry and Srimanthudu is a great script. He executed the project better than what he narrated to me, and that's the strength of a director.

Do you think you are shying away from experimenting?

I experimented a lot but unfortunately those films did not work. I've done Takkari Donga, Nani, 1 Nenokkadine, etc. May be there's a mistake in that film. Today with the budgets being so big, I dint think you can be irresponsible in an experiment. You have to be a little commercial, and that's what I learnt over the years.

Tell us about Shruti Haasan?

Shruti Haasan is a multi-talented and a terrific performer - She can sing, dance, act, and she did very well in the film. I think it's the best performance till date.

How was it working with Jagapathi Babu

I met Jagapathi Babu a few times before but I have to thank him for accepting the role. We need someone who has a stature and we thought someone like Jagapathi Babu would perfectly fit the bill. We were initially apprehensive whether he would accept the role or not but he has immediately accepted it after listening to the script. I have to thank him for that.

About producers

I knew then since quite some time and they are big distributors and they distribute films in US. They are determined and passionate to make films. They made the film like an experienced campaigners and I think they are here to stay

Who's thought was it to release simultaneously in Tamil (dubbed version)

It would be great if the film does well in Tamil. It was DOP Madhie's idea to do it in the Tamil as well. Since it's a universal subject, we believed it would hook the audience in Tamil.

Did you dub for Tamil version?

I would love to dub for myself. But due to time constraints, I could not. I'm very fluent in Tamil but unfortunately I could not.

Being a producer now, can't you invite writer and filmmakers to work with you?

These are all the visions and if a filmmaker calls me to listen to a script, I can go. If I ask a director to make a film with me, it doesn't work like that. I would love to do innovative films but don't intend to make great and classic films like 'Alluri Seetharamaraju' and destroy it's essence (smiles).

Tell us about Sitara?

Gautham is a good boy but Sitara is a little naughty. She's just 3 years old and there's bit of knottiness in that age and I enjoy that.

Your thoughts on Friendship Day

I don't know how to put it but I don't have many friends. All my friends circle was in Madras, and I lost touch with them. But I'm friends with all my directors and they are very important for me.