Dasaradh, one of the few directors with an image for making clean cinema, is gearing up for the release of Shourya. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the director talks about how Shourya happened, what he wants to achieve with the film, working with Manoj, why he hasn`t worked with superstars after debuting with Nagarjuna, and more.

How did the project start?

When I narrated the story, both Shiva Kumar and Manoj reacted positively to the idea. It`s a thrilling love story. Even if I talk a little more about the film, you may guess the story. Suffice it to say that it`s an edge-of-the-seat love story. Set in the backdrop of a village, it`s an unpredictable story. I wanted to do an unpredictable love story, something different from the routine template of conflict taking place between a boy and a girl, or the parents` opposition. If I reveal the crime element that is there, the curiosity will be gone.

Tell us about Manoj`s character.

Manoj is playing a youngster who is well-educated, focussed in life, so also Regina Cassandra. What problems do such couple face is what the story is about. Manoj is playing a simple guy here. He opens up only when most needed. He has no hyper body language. There are no fights, warnings, and the like.

What has been Manoj`s involvement in the making?

I went to him with a bound script. He said that has always okayed only a story line in the past. This time, he said, he would just come to the sets, do his part, and leave. And that`s what he did. Since it was a bound script, there was no uncertainty or preconceived expectations. We wanted to release the film within 100 days. Then, the producer felt that the story has the span to accommodate the likes of Prakash Raj garu and Regina Cassandra.

Is the title so because of the S` sentiment?

I have tried to impress upon people that, there is no such sentiment. Mr. Perfect was a big hit. Greeku Veerudu had no S. Sambaram was a flop. Actually, this banner has S` sentiment because Surya vs Surya was a hit. So, they asked me to think of a title starting with S`.

Why did you select Vedaa as the music director?

Vedaa is not a new music director. He had been working for serials. We earlier thought of the film as a small package. I could not afford a big music director.

Why do you think Santosham, and Mr. Perfect work in a big way, but others didn`t work much?

I think the audience didn`t like them much. The lacuna must be mine. It`s not like I make movies in a hurry. I work with as much dedication. May be, the thought was not conveyed to the extent we intended it to be. It has also got to do with the team we get to work with. Santosham and Mr. Perfect got everything in place. I think that has worked again for Shourya.

What went wrong in the case of Greeku Veerudu?

I would say that quality in second half was not up to the mark. If the content is good, a film should work. May be, the content too was amiss. It`s not like all films that don`t throw up high technical values fail. Some do work. I think the second half didn`t find a connect with the audience. Someone told me that Greeku Veerudu might have worked if any other did.

When are you making a film with Prabhas once again?

Prabhas and I have a very good relationship. He is very encouraging, supportive, and I hope that a film will happen sometime. I`m in touch with him whenever it`s possible. I have had a very hearty relationship with both Manoj and Prabhas. I voluntarily go and meet them. I meet Manoj some 7-8 times every year even though we never talk stories or cinema.

Do you like the stereotype that you make such and such kind of films?

Nothing wrong in getting that mudra`. If I make another kind of film, I will get a new mudra`. I am not making any attempt to come out of that or remain in that.

Do you think you have acquired the stature that befits your talent?

The stories that we write decide our stature. I have not made stuff that fans look for. I don`t expect much stature without doing that. However, I`m happy that I have got 100 per cent appreciation for the kind of films I have made.

You didn`t try to do a film with a big star like Nag after Santosham.

Never do I think that I would have reached stars even if I had gone after big stars. See, we revere great directors like K Viswanath garu even after all these years. I believe that my cinema should be remembered for 15-20 years and even later.

How was it working with Regina Cassandra?

She plays a very kind-hearted girl in the film. Regina is a dedicated professional. The last time I worked with such a heroine was Tamannah. Both are very patient and can pull off any scene they are given.

After driving home one message or another in Santosham, Mr. Perfect, and Greeku Veerudu, what are you trying to say in Shourya?

I just want to thrill the audience with this film. Love, emotions are there, but they won`t be in the pattern you saw in my previous films.

Tell us about the producer.

Shiva Kumar garu is 10 years younger than me. He has seen it all in life. After going down, he bounced back. He has made money which we can`t even think of in our dreams. He doesn`t believe in extravaganza and so do I. He also involves himself in the film. When I said we will shoot in Araku, he said let`s shoot in Chikmangulur. It was he who suggested the name of Prakash Raj. I think he will become a Minister one day.

What do you want to achieve in life?

I want to make at least 2-3 very good films that will be remembered for long. It`s not a joke to do such films because all the 10 that I do may not get satisfy all. The likes of Balachandar were born with a purpose, I believe. God must have sent them for that reason. I have no such hopes (laughs).