From his words, it is clear that we are going to watch a hybrid film – a film that has all the elements expected of a Ravi Teja starrer and the aesthetics of a typical Guna film. In this chat, the Bommarillu maker talks about what went into making Nippu and more.

Excerpts:

On why he decided to produce with another director:

I feel that a film is a director's solitary vision. It is entirely his brainchild. The ideas of no two directors match perfectly. There are many new thoughts and ideas out there. I have always been awed by many beautiful ideas/films. The thought of producing a movie with someone originated from the desire to be a participant in such films. In order to realize this desire, I approached many directors with whom I have accessibility and asked them to direct a movie under Bommarillu banner. For example, K Raghavendra Rao garu was one such director. I approached Bapu garu also. My friend Krishna Vamsi was another director whom I approached. I also met Gunasekhar on the sets of Arjun. I approached my friends and well-wishers in the industry. Nippu happened finally when Guna narrated me a story. I found it very interesting.

On how different Nippu is from Guna's previous films:

You may say that Gunasekhar's films have been known for ostentatious sets. In my opinion, huge sets should be erected if the subject demands. The director may have an idea of making a film with Taj Mahal as the backdrop or a hut as the backdrop. Everything depends on the demands of the script. If you watch the Charminar set in Okkadu, it doesn’t look a bit artificial. He had earlier made a film on a shoestring budget, but no one remembers Gunasekhar for the austerity because public memory is short. Since Okkadu was a hit, that he expends so much on the sets gained wide publicity and the stamp came to be borne on him.

Coming to how different Nippu is from Guna's previous films, it is a melange of Ravi Teja-style entertainment mixed with Guna-style touch in the second half. We were quite particular from the beginning to retain the typical elements of a Ravi Teja film – like energy, hilarity, cheeky dialogues – and come out with a different story. If you read the tagline, it says that the hero's character is mischievous, but he has a responsibility. That goes to show how much the film represents the styles of both Ravi Teja and Guna at once. The film seems very real. It has come out better than I expected. The second half is feel-good and has a gripping narration.

On the depiction of Ravi Teja in Nippu:

Ravi Teja's films are known for some the elements like hilarity, etc. The hero's character maintains this tenor in the first half. The comedy track with Brahmanandam, who plays Kashi, has come out really well. The chemistry is perfect. You will see RT pulling Brahmanandam’s legs in the movie.

We were conscious of the fact that whenever aVinayak, a Rajamouli, a Surendar Reddy made films with Ravi Teja, they tried to portray him very differently from how they usually portray the others in their movies. In Nippu, RT is very different from Guna’s previous heroes. Except in Choodalaniundi, Guna's heroes have been subtle and underplayed their emotions. Nippu is another exception. By holding his own, Guna has adapted RT to his style.

The character of RT in the movie is awesome. He evokes laughter and possesses his own set of sensibilities.

On his involvement in the making of Nippu:

A producer's job is the most prestigious as well as most difficult. That is the reason why we seldom see the producers surviving for long. Their longevity is a rarity. I have always been conscious of this reality and have tried to make films with care and caution.

Like any other producer, I chipped in with my suggestions/feedback. The rest depends on the director’s receptivity and how open he is to them. I have advised some corrections here and there.

On his forthcoming film, Rey:

I am very lucky that I have found someone like Sai Dharma Teja for my dream project. Ever since I signed him, I have been encouraged to make Rey. Recently, after overcoming many a hurdle, we successfully shot a 28-day schedule at a stretch in Bangkok.