Mahesh Babu in this interview talks about why 'SPYder' is a dream-come-true for him. Saying that he is eagerly looking forward for the release on Sept 27, the charming superstar talks about the villain's character, Harris Jayaraj's BGM, and more.

From the beginning, you have said that AR Murugadoss was the first reason why you did 'SPYder'. What makes him so special and this project a rare one?

I and Murugadoss had wanted to team up for ten years before we finally got to work together. To me, he is a pan-Indian director. So, it's a dream-come-true. I was very excited to work with him right from the word go. It has been a very new experience. As for what makes this film a rare one, it's the fact that 'SPYder' is a proper bi-lingual. When you see the film, you will know how proper a bi-lingual it is.

How easy or difficult was it to make the film in two languages?

When we first went about canning it, we didn't realise how big a film we were getting into. It's only after three days of shooting that we knew what it would take. It was akin to remaking a film in parallel to the actual film. And that too on the same day. In each of the versions, each scene would take 5-6 takes.

For example, we shot a schedule in Ahmedabad. All the scenes had to be shot in night effect. It was a strange experience.

Wasn't it boring and repetitive to shoot for the same scenes twice?

Not at all boring. It's because the language is different, the modulation is different. We had to keep up the energy levels for the 190 days that we shot the movie. Some of the actors for the two versions are different. The director chose faces that suit the nativity.

The Teaser was intriguing in that it had a spider crawling up and you were seen asking it to hush it up. How is it related to the movie in any way?

It has nothing to do with the film. It's just a concept-based teaser that we released. If it had something to do with the story, we would have said it in the trailer.

Is there an element of bio-terrorism? Also, there is a rumour that you are playing dual roles in the movie.

No. We are honest with respect to what is being projected in the promos. If I was playing dual roles, we would have revealed it already. We want the audience to experience something more in the movie.

Much has been hyped up about SJ Suryah's role. What is in store?

It's a hero vs villain face-off story in the first place. When I was told two months into the shooting that SJ Suryah is the villain, it took some time to sink in. I must say that he is a brilliant performer. Nobody else could have done it this better. We don't have combination scenes in good number. He is more of an invisible villain. You don't know where he is lurking. That's how it is.

And Rakul Preet Singh was the best choice, ARM recently said. What's your take?

She is a thorough professional. Had it not been for her, the shooting would have taken 20 days more. She is fast at it.

What is Tamil actor Bharath's role in the movie?

It's an important role and not a cameo. I am glad he did this film. He did it more out of respect for Murugadoss.

You have spoken highly of your cinematographer. Why do you like him so much?

It has been a dream-come-true working with him. I had always wanted to team up with him ever since I watched 'Dalapathy' and 'Roja'. Santosh Sivan is someone who tells a director on his face if he doesn't like the story. 'Naku sync avvadu' ani chepestadu It's glad that he worked on 'SPYder'.

What is the message that the film is trying to say?

Murugadoss' films have their way of carrying out a message. 'Kathi' and 'Ramana' did that in a direct way. 'SPYder' and 'Thupakki' do it in the mold of an action film.

What are your expectations from Harris Jayaraj's music?

The songs will grow on the ears when heard repeatedly. But more than the songs, it's his BGM that will become a bigger hit. 'BGM ila kooda kottocha' ani antaru.

Are you nervous two days before the film's release? Also, this is your biggest release. How has the audience's reception in Tamil been?

No matter how confident we are about the product, we have to wait for the audience's verdict after the morning show. I am waiting for that.

Yes, this is my biggest release in my career. And the response in Tamil has been great. We are also releasing in Arabic and Malayalam.

This brings us to the question of Telugu heroes evolving on the screen. There was a time when counter-terrorism was not even heard of in the context of Telugu cinema.

Yes. Also the market is evolving, thanks to 'Baahubali'. When our Teaser was out, a lot of offers came in. People (in the North) are interested in south Indian movies now. But we ddin't have the time to go the whole hog.

You recently shared your daughter Sitara's video, wherein she was seen thoroughly enjoying a song of 'SPYder'.

Yes. She loves music. Gautham is these days liking the action genre.

When is Rajamouli's film happening? Is 'Bharat Ane Nenu' releasing in January?

We are committed to it. Once we complete our respective commitments, we will team up. As for 'BAN', I can't tell anything as of now. My producers will talk about it a few days from now.