Don’t read into ‘lazy director’ remark by Nag garu: Sriram

Sriram Adittya says that ‘DevaDas’ is doing very well at the box office.  Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, the film hit the screens this Thursday.  In this interview, he talks about the movie, Nagarjuna’s look in it, working with Nani, if there will be a sequel, and more.  

How did this project fall into place for you?

When I was busy doing ‘Samanthakamani’, Ashwini Dutt garu called me up and told me about the project.  He gave me the story and asked me to develop it.  He told me Nagarjuna garu and Nai would be the heroes.  

Although ‘Samanthakamani’ had many actors, it was hardly big like ‘DevaDas’.  What was going on in your mind when you were told Nag and Nai would be the lead actors?

I was not intimidated.  Solo hero or multi-starrer, it’snot of much relevance.  The story was so entertaining and that’s what I liked the most about it.  That’s why I accepted the film anon.

Nagarjuna is looking so styilsh in the movie.  You have gone in for a bare-chested intro for him.  Many are awestruck that the Greeku Veerudu is so macho at 59.  Tells us what went into portraying him in that way.

I like the way Nagarjuna garu looks in ‘Manmathudu’ and such films.  I tried to recreate such a look for ‘DevaDas’.  I wanted to show him glamorously.  That’s how styling, the presentation was driven.  In the case of Nani, to establish contrast, we went in for the bespectacled look.  Two other looks were under consideration.  

Nag has appreciated you for handling the big cast without hiccups.  Most importantly, you staved off ego clashes on the sets.  How did you achieve that?

I was not tensed because Nagarjuna garu was very jovial.  We all respect me.  The scene where he breaks the ‘Utti’, he did it without a body double.  

The film didn’t take highly encouraging openings.  How has the trade response been since the first day?

Everybody who has watched the movie is loving it.  The family audience, especially, are enjoying it like anything.  The social media is replete with praises.  

Not once but twice, Nagarjuna has called you a lazy director.  What is the reason?  Were you really not willing to put in extra hours?  

He has that leniency with me to say like that.  Don’t read much into his comments.  Although he did say that the movie should have been readied a month earlier, he was the first person to appreciate me after watching the movie.  I am someone who takes much time for post-production even while production works are on.  We are very happy with the output.

Is Nag willing to do a sequel, as he suggested at the pre-release event?

With a proper story, it will be great to work on a sequel with the same team.  But there is no thought at present.  I haven’t thought about my next project.  We are enjoying the success of ‘Devadas’.