Anil Ravipudi awaits the release of 'Sarileru Neekevaru' on January 11. Ahead of its release, the director talks about the movie, what makes it unique, the experience of working with Mahesh Babu, Vijayashanthi and others, the theme of the movie, what kind of comedy to expect and more.

How the project happened:

I always go to the floors with a bounded script. Since I had a broad sketch of the story ready before I completed 'F2', I could convey my subject to Mahesh Babu garu. He knew that the film has got magic in it. It was in August 2018 that he okayed the story after listening for 40 minutes. It was in May last year that the entire script was narrated to him. That was just 20 days before the film went to the floors.

What to expect from 'SNE':

There is patriotism, emotions, values, fun, romance in our movie. It's like a sumptuous festival meal.

Completed in 5 months

I have learned more and more film after film. Unlike my previous outings, 'SNE' is a huge project. It took a lot of effort on our part to complete it in just five months. It wouldn't have been possible but for the faith my hero reposed in me. It's a complete team effort, including of my direction department.

Message of the movie

The first 25 minutes unfold against the backdrop of Kashmir. They are very crucial to the story. The last 15 minutes of the film are the soul of our movie. 'SNE' hasn't been made just for fans.

When an Army man lives a social life in the mainland, how does he see the crimes of different shady characters? Compared to the war and the enemy nation's depredations, these are far less malevolent to him. My film is not about killing the enemy. It's about reforming him.

Inspiration for Mahesh's character

I met a soldier during a train journey and got inspired by him to write Mahesh garu's character. He was not at all serious. He was jovial and naughty, cracking jokes all along.

No factionalism

The Kurnool backdrop doesn't suggest factionalism. The story is a play involving a Minister (Prakash Raj), Vijayashanthi garu's character and the male lead. Kondareddy Buruju is like a character in the movie. The 'Okkadu' memory is strong. This film goes beyond.

Everything was controlled & smooth

When it's Mahesh Babu garu who is the hero, you need to spend a lot of money. This is not to say that wasteful spend has happened. Despite the best planning, some things do go wrong. The absence of an artist can delay a schedule by a week or so. Thank God that rains didn't disturb our schedules. Even one schedule going wrong would have been too costly.

Fun plus seriousness

Mahesh garu's timing in 'Khaleja' is superb. My kind of entertainment is different. The superstar took 2-3 days to get into the character 100 percent. Once into it, he was unstoppable. He has effortlessly blended fun and seriousness in his character. Even the antagonists in my movies are fun. 'SNE' is no different.

Mahesh, a superb dancer

Mahesh garu is an awesome dancer. Sekhar Master's choreography is special. The Tamannaah song has the hero high on energy. His dancing skills may not have got explored completely in the past because of different factors. 'SNE' is different in this regard.

Director's actor

Mahesh garu gives his directors total freedom. That helps a great deal. I never was conscious that he is a superstar. Working with him, time just melts away. By working with a superstar like him, I have benefitted a great deal.

No similarities

There is no 'Athadu' in the movie. Just because the lead man comes to a town from a distant place, does it become 'Athadu'? There is sacrifice, there is heroism and a lot of other things are there in the movie.

Subject won her heart

Everyone is going to feel happy about Vijayashanthi garu's character. She stands for power. Her female-centric movies carried a powerful message. It took some effort to convince her. The subject won her heart. I was confident that she will surely like it.

Rajendra Prasad garu's role is full-fledged. The equations between Mahesh garu's character and his character is in the Tom-and-Jerry zone.

A surprise element

Let me say that there is Superstar Krishna garu in a certain form in the movie. It's going to give the audience goosebumps. Take it from me. It's part of the story. It's not forced at all.

Train comedy is natural

The mannerisms in the train episode (like 'Never before-uu, never after-uu') are organic. You will all enjoy it. Bandla Ganesh's character (Blade Ganesh) is another highlight.

A great technical team

I haven't seen a more positive person than Devi Sri Prasad garu. He gives tunes that befit the story. It's not possible for every tune to be extraordinary. The 'SNE Anthem' is extraordinary, so also the RR. DSP is going to be back! Rathnavelu garu is a huge cinematographer. I was a bit apprehensive, as he had done big movies like 'Robot' before. I realized that he is the director's cinematographer. The Ram-Lakshman duo is dedicated and they have done the situational fights really well. Editor Thammiraju garu is a frank person. If he doesn't like your work he will tell it on your face. Thankfully, he has never given me negative feedback.

'AVPL' is classy

It's good that 'SNE' and 'AVPL' are not releasing on the same day. Our films are not in contention. Trivikram garu's movies have a classy touch. My film is massy. Our films will have their audiences for sure.

'F2' was totally new

How is 'F2' nothing but 'Jabardasth'-type comedy? Would it have earned Rs 80 Cr if that was the case? You can't satisfy everyone. A set of audience will always dislike certain films.

Upcoming project

'F3' is definitely in talks. What I will do after 'SNE' will become clear in the coming weeks. Nothing is official as yet. As for the talk that I will work with Chiranjeevi garu, it's not even in a nascent stage. If he shows interest, I will jump with joy and do the film.

My guru is..

I have been a fan of writer-director Jandhyala garu. It's his characters' mannerisms that I have always been inspired by. I am his Ekalavya disciple. I am a fan of mythological movies. If I reach a certain stage in my career, I might evince interest in making a film on the Ramayana.