Director Krishna Vamsi awaits the theatrical release of 'Ranga Marthanda' this Diwali. It stars Prakash Raj and Ramya Krishna in lead roles.

In an exclusive chit-chat with IndiaGlitz, the director of classics such as 'Sindhooram' and 'Ninne Pelladatha' talks about his thoughts about Pawan Kalyan's politics, the shelved Balakrishna film, Jr NTR's acting skills, and more.

Excerpts:

It is true that I was supposed to make a film with Balakrishna garu in the mid-2015s. Right from the start, he made it a conditional project. He told me he would do the film only if Amitabh Bachchan plays a pivotal part in the movie. Since Big B didn't come on board, Balayya babu refused to take it forward. We couldn't get Bachchan on board. No other actor can fill his shoes. That's why the project was shelved before it was taken to the floors.

Tarak alone could have ensured that 'Rakhi' was that power-packed. He is a powerhouse performer. He is a great actor. You can see that they are talking about the possibility of him winning the Oscar award (for 'RRR').

I have never altered a script after locking it. I couldn't have interchanged the scenes from 'Murari' and 'Rakhi' for Jr NTR and Mahesh Babu. From each actor, the audience expect certain kind of elements and ingredients. Both 'Murari' and 'Rakhi' haven't been replicated by others.

Usually, I choose my actors after the script is written. There are exceptions like 'Ninne Pelladatha', which was written with the aim of making a film with Nagarjuna. The same goes for 'Murari' and 'Rakhi'. In the case of 'Rakhi', the story was adapted to suit Jr NTR's image.

Pawan Kalyan's is a powerful image. If the right story falls in place, I will do a film with him. He wants to do something good through politics. He is putting in a great effort. I think the last time I met him was at Ram Charan's wedding. If I do a film with him, it is going to be great.

I have plans to do a political film titled 'Santhakam'. I observe political developments closely. I follow oil geopolitics, wars, rulers, aristocrats, situations in countries like Pakistan, everything... I keep an interest in worldly affairs.

I am not a businessman. I produced only two films ('Sindhooram' and 'Sri Anjaneyam') on my banner. Both films flopped and I became indebted.