In this exclusive interview with IndiaGlitz, Puri Jagannadh talks about 'ISM', his philosophy of life, when 'Jana Gana Mana' with Mahesh Babu is going to happen, his future plans etc.

We are seeing a new Kalyan Ram in the trailer. We hope to see a new take on the fight against corruption. Can we?

'Ism' is the story of a crusading journalist. 'ISM' only reflects the -ism in journalism. The film talks about a certain problem in the society and how it can be solved. The idea took birth some 10 years back. Since then, certain huge developments have taken place, for example, Wikileaks, the phenomena of Julian Assange, and Edward Snowden. New forms of technology and new forms of corruption (including hi-tech corruption) have come up. My hero fights them. 'ISM' is an updated story. The last 30 minutes are very good. Kalyan Ram's performance is simply amazing. He has that honesty and sincerity and genuine expressions to carry off such a role. There is no message-giving, and the film is not preachy. You will see the journo's pain in him. We mooted various titles, but we finally liked 'ISM' as people liked it as soon as we gave the feelers. Nobody is asking for the meaning.

What was the idea behind getting a look make-over for Kalyan Ram?

If it's a physically fit journo talking, the language too looks terrific. When he heard the narration, Kalyan Ram didn't stop at anything less than six-pack abs. Not that my heroes desire to have such a look. I only expect fitness from them, but if in the process they build six pack abs, it's fine.

Are there any punch lines in 'ISM'?

There are no punch lines of the ilk of 'Evadu kodithe dimma tirigi mind block avtundo.. aade pandu gadu'. My hero talks like a journalist There are thought-provoking lines, though.

Why do you go for cuss words? Is it to attract mass audiences?

I don't realize that something is a cuss word until the Censor board tells me. The idea behind having 'boothulu' is not to attract the masses. A genuinely angry person will fly into cuss words naturally. But some people suppress themselves from speaking 'boothulu'.

How was it teaming up with Jagapathi Babu?

It's a re-union with Jagapathi Babu after 12 years. I like him a lot; he is a great man. He didn't even ask for a narration. He came and shot for his scenes and went back. He didn't have an idea of what the other side of the story is until he watched. After dubbing for himself, he said to me, 'When did we shoot all those portions?'

Tell us about Aditi Aarya's talent. What is her character?

Aditi Aarya, who last year was crowned Miss India, was selected through an audition. I liked her act a lot. At one point, I even thought of getting her do her dubbing. It's how much that she put the effort. She is here to make it big. She is playing Jagapathi Babu's daughter, that is, Javed bhai's daughter Alia Khan.

How do you manage to spot the right female talent where other directors fail?

You too can spot them if you can ask ten girls to say dialogues and make them dance to test their energy levels. Other directors too can spot talent if they are ready to take the risk. If you want to work with an established heroine, a Samantha or a Kajal, thinking that will be safe bet, you won't be able to introduce a new face. It's the same with heroes. If they want to try new stories, they will do experiments. If they want to go for remakes, they will take a beaten path. You need to have the guts to take risks.

You must have been influenced by certain anti-corruption movies as a youngster. What are they?

I have been influenced by the films of Narayana Murthy garu, Madhala Ranga Rao garu and T Krishna garu, among others. When one watches certain movies, one is drawn into thinking about the problems faced by the society.

How do you manage to complete a movie so fast?

A film has to be completed very fast. I feel I am not fast enough. I need to be crisper. Scripting can take time, but not the making. It's a matter of the producer's money. In Hollywood, they make it very fast, even difficult movies. I don't go for too many shots in the name of perfection.

You are always high on energy. How do you get charged-up?

Ups and downs are normal in life. Upsets would be there. There are a hundred people trying to disturb you, damage you. But you should have the attitude to forget the travails and get into working mode immediately. Whether it's failure or success, you have to transcend it in 2-3 days' time. If the father dies, one can't cry for the rest of life. That's about it.

When can we expect a sensitive love story from you?

I do want to make a sensitive love story. It's true that I have never done one. I am also going to do a loved film like 'Amma Nanna O Tamilammayi'. I have already written such a film. I may start off with it as soon as possible. This is a kind of film you and I have been missing for long.

Having dealt with a range of subjects, what are you up to in the coming years? Can we expect you to show new sensibilities?

As a director I want to try new concepts and do films with new faces. It's films like 'Itlu Sravani Subrahmanyam', 'Idiot' and 'Amma Nanna O Tamilammayi' which made me a star director. But I haven't been doing such movies after becoming a star director.

I want to make a film with past life as an element. I have already written a script on the subject. I want to make it with new faces. It's a very good topic. So far, we have seen lovers re-incarnating to win back love. One has to go beyond that to offer something new. I also want to make a crossover film with our actors and foreign actors in one film. I may do it next year. Puri Connects is into spotting nice