Sampath Nandi is both excited and nervous before the release of 'Gautham Nanda' on July 28th. In this interview, he talks about the inspiration behind the movie, Gopichand's stylish makeover, presenting Hansika and Catherine in a refreshing way, and more.

How is Sri Ramana Maharshi an inspiration behind the message that 'Goutham Nanda' seeks to give?

I had read one of his books named 'Who Am I?' I feel it's one of the most important of his works. The message of the book has haunted me for years. By understanding the innate sense the Maharshi is trying to me, one can become the cause of something noble, for example, a giving pledge kind of initiative. One can build a value system and live by it. The film drives home the message within a commercial format.

I have tried to show the journey of those who show off their rich father's identity. The film shows why those from the humble background don't take pride in their pedigree. The film will provoke a thought for at least a second in everyone. It's a universal film for all classes of audience.

The title is also meant to mean that he is like a son of Buddha who has discovered himself. He comes with dual shades.

Do you think people are going to remember the message?

I didn't write the story with the aim of telling a message. The film is not preachy. It will be a blessing if it has a positive influence on some individuals.

Gopichand has undergone a stylish makeover. Why the look and what went into it?

He is a member of a billionaire's family. Billionaires would have tasted all the thrills in life. What lifestyles they indulge in, what are their hobbies, etc became my concern at the writing stage. They look for thrills every single moment. Except for death, they have tasted everything.

When the hero is from such a wealthy family, Gopichand can't look the same way. He should look like a billionaire. His dress, accessories, etc are branded.

He happened to like the look I had in mind. Hairstyle and everything else was accordingly made.

Did you write the story with Gopichand in mind?

I had written 'Racha' and 'Bengal Tiger' with the concerned heroes in mind. But this one was not written like that. For the first six months, I had no hero in mind. When I went to the producers and they liked it, I came to know that they have Gopichand's dates.

And the budget seems to have gone too high. Wouldn't it have helped to work with a bigger star?

If one goes on thinking like this, someone might say one should have worked with a Tom Cruise. Budgets must be driven by the story. We did proper planning. Actually, this story would have needed Rs. 20 Cr or so more than what was spent.

Because we did everything in a proper way, it took a lot of time to complete the film.

Hansika Motwani is playing a de-glamorized role. But people are used to seeing her in glam roles. Is it a bold attempt?

It was not done on purpose. She is playing a middle-class girl. How does such a girl who earns Rs. 10,000 or so look like? Not that we applied dark makeup on her.

Catherine is looking even better. What was her involvement?

I never knew that she is such a fitness freak. She did the trials on her own initiative before the songs. She has put in a lot of hard-work.

Thaman's music is going to be a major highlight. Isn't it?

'Bole Ram' is a favourite among girls. They are listening to it repeatedly. The visuals are great. Writing the song was akin to writing another story. The audience shouldn't think that it's just another rain song. So, the art work, props, dance moves, lyrics, everything was carefully done. Thaman's BGM is ever better.

You love music a lot. Right?

Even when I am writing the script, I have to keep listening to soft music. That's why I make it a point to sit with the music directors and lyricists to give the best.

Do you have the habit of reading spiritual literature?

I have a reading habit. When we go through struggles in life, we tend to remember some of the lessons taught by books. They emerge from the subconscious.

You have said that the story of 'GN' will be one of the top 10 ones. Don't such statements create excess hype?

Hype is never created by such claims. The teaser, trailer, songs, etc create all the hype.

Why has there been such a long gap between 'Bengal Tiger' and 'GN'?

I was to do a film with Pawan Kalyan garu. One and a half years went into that. I was disappointed when it didn't happen. I hope I will get to work with him in future.