In this exclusive interview with IndiaGlitz, director Shiv Raj Kanumuri talks about what went into conceptualizing the protagonist's character in 'Jayammu Nischayammu Raa', learning from different writers/directors, so on and so forth.

As 'JNR' released two weeks after Demonetization, what is the impact on the business?

The impact is noteworthy in C centres, but in 'A' and District HQs, there is no impact.

Touted as a native entertainer, 'JNR' presents a range of interesting characters. What was the idea behind packaging it as 'Desivali Vinodam'?

The flavour is very fresh. I didn't expect that the movie would go into the audience so fast. I had prepared my team that it may take at least 2-3 days for the audience to start digesting the style. This is the kind of comedy that the current generation hasn't seen. The collections went on going up with each show on day one. It's running to packed houses in the weekend. Mouth talk is working big-time for our movie.

You have mentioned the novel 'Alpa Jeevi' as your inspiration in writing this film. What all elements did you take from it?

I drew from the protagonist's characterization. Subbayya is someone who talks to himself. There is someone in him who is conflicted. I also picked lessons from 'Choti Si Baath', which is an adaptation of 'School For Scoundrels'. It's about how someone low on confidence, emerges victorious in the end.

As a filmmaker, I see Ram Gopal Varma garu and JD Chekravarthy garu as my gurus. It's under JD garu that I worked for the greater part. The natural style of the likes of Bapu garu, Vamsi garu, Priyadarshini garu and Mani Ratnam garu interests me.

But isn't the idea of the person within engaging in conversation with the person without an old idea?

That's not how I see it. I think that's the best way to convey the idea. There are other ways, but this is the best one. Just because someone else has already tried it, doesn't mean that it can't be repeated. All love stories have a certain template and, in the end, they are either happy or tragic. We can't say it's the old thing.

While Sarva Mangalam (Srinivas Reddy's character) is realistically portrayed to begin with, he turns over-smart overnight. Isn't that unrealistic?

I didn't think that way. Elements like he pulling out the handle of a bike are entertaining. It's all cinematic liberty in generating entertainment.

The dialogues are rooted in native culture. Did you do any research for it?

I didn't read anything before penning the lines. One develops a certain style over the years after watching so many movies, reading books and meeting people.

Your language and characters are more native, just as those of Deva Katta and Srinivas Avasarala, who also were abroad for some years before making movies like 'Prasthanam' and 'Jyo Achyutananda'. It's curious, in a way.

Yes. I was in the UK for 4 years and for the time that I was there, I perhaps missed the atmosphere, the people and the conversations here. Without my knowing, the love for the native might have increased. After watching 'Jyo Achyutananda', I texted Srinivas Avasarala garu for the language of his dialogues.

I am very inspired by Shekar Kammula garu, who returned from abroad to make a film on his own. His example gave me the strength to do the same.

We heard that the film had table profit even before the release. What are the figures?

I wouldn't like to discuss the finances. Suffice it to say that I am happy.