Director G Ashok is utterly confident about 'Bhaagamathie', which will release on January 26. Saying that the film is screenplay-based, he is all praise for Anushka. Catch him talk about how the project fell into place, what made him wait for Sweety for years on end, and more.

At a recent event, you described Prabhas as 'Devudu'. How did this project fall into place because of him?

It was in 2012 that I first approached UV Creations with the script. They loved it and asked me to narrate it to Prabhas garu. It's because of him that I went on to meet Anushka and narrate the story to her.

By the time the film could be started, she gave her commitment to 'Baahubali'. Since 2012, we tried to start 'Bhaagamathie' a couple of times to no avail.

It's not a joke to wait for an actress for four years. What made you sacrifice your time for Anushka's return to the film?

Chanchala can be played only an actress who has a certain stature and identity. I saw them only in Anushka. I was convinced that only she can essay this role. The wait was worth it. Anushka gave her all for this movie. She didn't care about her health. She participated in the shoot even though her right shoulder was paining her. She is the 'Shakti' of 'Bhaagamathie'.

'Bhaagamathie' has been described as a techno-thriller. You have said in an interview that the first half is scary and the second half is edge-of-the-seat. How do you describe the movie?

It's a universal entertainer. It suits all the contexts. Be it any industry, this story will work. The story is not unfamiliar, it happens everywhere.

Like in many films that deal with a haunted backdrop, there is a bungalow in 'Bhaagamathie', too. What makes it novel, if at all?

The bungalow is not just a set but a character. Since three-fourths of the story unfolds in this bungalow, we didn't settle for something less-than-fabulous. The entire story revolves around this bungalow. Art director Ravindar garu mounted a realistic set. It genuinely looks like it belongs to the 16th Century.

There are so many expectations from the movie. Many are seeing it in the similar space of an 'Arundhati' in terms of 'Bhaagamathie' being a female-centric drama. What is your take?

I would like to set the record straight. My film is not a woman-centric one. It's a screenplay-based movie. It's the narration that is the film's forte.

What is your upcoming movie?

I haven't thought about it. As of now, I have to participate in this film's promotional activities.