DVV Danayya, who is said to have earned Rs. 98 Cr by way of Bharat Ane Nenu's theatrical rights, is very confident about the movie.  Ahead of its release on April 20, he talks about the film, Mahesh Babu, and more.  

From a medium-range producer more than two decades back to a star producer now, you have come a long way.  How do you see it?

It was in 1992 that I started out by bankrolling EVV Sathyanarayana's 'Jamba Lakidi Pamba'.  By and by, I have made strides but also lost money on some projects.  It feels great to be producing big projects today.  (Note: Rajamouli's next with NTR and Ram Charan is being bankrolled by him).  

A lot is being heard about the lavishness of 'Bharat Ane Nenu'.  What went into it?  You apparently told Koratala Siva to spend as he likes? 

When I heard the script, I was clear in my mind that 'BAN' would need so much budget.  Given the enormity of the canvas, we spent Rs. 2 Cr on just the Assembly set.  Another Rs. 4 Cr was invested on the song 'Vacchadayyo Saami'.  I had no compromises to make when it comes to presenting a visually rich spectacle.

How has it been working with Mahesh Babu?

It was my dream of years to produce a Mahesh Babu movie.  I tried to pull off some or the other star director-Mahesh combination several times.  But things didn't work out.  Finally, because of my relationship with Koratala, things fell into place.  He is a cool superstar who surrenders himself to his director's vision.  Every moment with him has been memorable.  

As a political drama, at what level will 'BAN' work?

This one is surely not a regular mass masala product. By virtue of what it deals with, 'BAN' is both hard-hitting and a wake-up call.  It will be a new experience to watch the hero in the role of a CM.  

When it's a political drama, the question arises as to if any character or characters is/are closet to reality?

I have come across the speculations that 'BAN' takes political jibes, etc.  However, ours is a clean political drama that focuses on issues and how Bharat, the Chief Minister, addresses them.  We haven't targeted any party.  

There is much buzz about the run-time being 2 hrs 53 minutes.  Isn't it too lengthy?  

It's not.  Hasn't 'Rangasthalam', which is 3 hrs long, become a blockbuster?  'Appude aipoinda!' anipistundi maa cinema.  

Launching a new face opposite a superstar is not a commonplace thing.  What are your expectations from Kiara Advani?

Koratala Siva garu wanted a fresh face because of the nature of the love story in the film.  Given that Kiara has put up a very nice performance for a debutante, she will go a long way in Telugu cinema.  

Coming to the Rajamouli-NTR-Ram Charan movie, what is the progress?

It's a dream-come-true to be working with Rajamouli, Ram Charan and NTR. As of now, we are waiting for the director to say he is ready for the shoot.  Pre-production works are going on at a brisk pace.