Macho Star Gopichand is all set to enthrall audiences with his upcoming action-packed film, "Bhimaa," directed by A. Harsha, slated for release on 8th March 2024. After facing a series of setbacks at the box office for nearly a decade, Gopichand is geared up to make a powerful comeback with his portrayal of a dynamic police officer, aiming to deliver a blockbuster hit.

In a recent interaction with the media, Gopichand opened up about his journey, challenges, and the making of "Bhimaa."

Regarding your involvement in "Bhimaa," how did the project come about?

During the pandemic, co-producer Sridhar Garu and director Harsha pitched me a story over Facetime. While I found the initial story promising, I requested a few modifications. After 8 months, Harsha returned with the revised script, incorporating semi-fictional elements and enhancing the character development, which impressed me. With the approval of producer Radha Mohan Garu, we greenlit the project.

Could you elaborate on the genesis of the project "Bhimaa"?

One of the co-producers introduced me to director Harsha, who initially narrated a different script. However, I expressed my interest in a cop drama, leading Harsha to take a seven-month break and return with the story of "Bhimaa." The inclusion of a semi-fantasy element, alongside the cop drama, intrigued me, ultimately leading to the project's commencement and eventual release.

Can you describe your character in "Bhimaa"?

"Bhimaa" revolves around a serious police officer, as depicted in the trailer. However, the film also features elements of love, comedy, and other commercial aspects to engage the audience. The depth of character development by the director is commendable, and I believe the character of "Bhimaa" will resonate with audiences.

Reflecting on your previous film, "Ramabanam," what do you think went wrong?

"Ramabanam" faltered in its execution. The story, though familiar, required a fresh presentation, which unfortunately, the film lacked. While we trust the scripts and proceed, sometimes the execution may not align with the director's vision, leading to unforeseen outcomes.

How do you approach dealing with film flops?

Blaming the audience for a film's failure is not the right approach. It's crucial to introspect and identify the aspects that failed to connect with viewers. Learning from mistakes and striving to improve in future projects is essential. While disappointing, experiencing film flops is part of the journey.

There is talk that "Bhimaa" is the most expensive film in your career. Can you comment on that?

While I'm not aware of the exact budget, I always advise producers to allocate resources judiciously, based on the subject matter and within reasonable limits. It's important for producers to maintain financial stability throughout the production process.

How was your experience working with director A. Harsha?

Director A. Harsha is a talented and dedicated filmmaker. His clear vision for each character and the overall screenplay was commendable and contributed significantly to the film's success.

You've been quite confident about "Bhimaa" in your promotional events. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, I am very confident about "Bhimaa." The film has a strong storyline, engaging commercial elements, and a unique semi-fantasy element that sets it apart. My dual avatars in the film, along with its fun factor, are sure to please audiences. Director Harsha has done a fantastic job with the film, and I believe it will resonate well with viewers.

How was it working with actresses Malvika Nair and Priya Bhavani Shankar?

Both Malvika Nair and Priya Bhavani Shankar deliver impressive performances in "Bhimaa." Their characters play significant roles in the movie, adding depth to the narrative.

Could you share your thoughts on Ravi Basrur's work in "Bhimaa"?

Director Harsha and Ravi Basrur share a close bond, and their collaboration has been instrumental in elevating the film. Ravi Basrur's work, especially in enhancing the action sequences, will be a highlight of "Bhimaa."

You've been criticized for sticking to commercial films, which some believe are outdated. What is your take on this?

I believe commercial films will always have a place in Telugu cinema. The key lies in presenting familiar stories in a fresh and innovative manner. As long as directors can reinvent the narrative while retaining the essence of commercial cinema, these films will continue to be successful. I don't intend to stop making such films, as they are what I am known for. "Bhimaa," while falling into the commercial genre, introduces a semi-fantasy element that I believe will appeal to a wide audience.

Your next project is with director Sreenu Vaitla. Could you share some insights?

We have completed 30% of the shoot for the film with Sreenu Vaitla Garu. Despite a few rumors suggesting otherwise, there is no truth to any roadblocks in the project. We plan to resume shooting after the release of "Bhimaa."

What can you tell us about your future projects?

Apart from the film with Sreenu Vaitla Garu, I have a project under the SVCC banner and another in the scripting stage with Radha Krishna Kumar, to be produced by UV Creations. As for OTT projects, I have not signed any yet, but I will keep you informed of any developments.

There has been much speculation about a film with Prabhas. Can you shed some light on that?

During a pre-release event, I mentioned that there would be an update regarding a potential collaboration with Prabhas, to appease the audience's excitement. While Prabhas and I share a close friendship and have always wanted to work together, any future collaboration would depend on the script and the role offered to me. If the opportunity arises, I would not hesitate to play a negative role or any other substantial character in a Prabhas film, or any other star's film, for that matter.