Sampath Nandi, who started his journey as a writer, had grabbed the chance to direct Ram Charan for his second film itself. The film was a super hit and Sampath Nandi became a star director overnight. Though he has a lot of pressure on him like 'Gabbar Singh 2' ahead, he turned a producer for his friend with the film, 'Gaalipatam'.

In an exclusive interview to Indiaglitz, this director talks about his journey with director Naveen Gandhi, his experiences as a producer, his Gabbar Singh 2 etc.

Tell us something about your journey with Naveen Gandhi ?

We have been friends for a long time and we used to go to the producers together with scripts. We used to work hard and dream of doing good movies. But I got the chance early and he got it now. I am really happy to have produced the movie for my friend.

Did you write this script for yourself or for your friend ?

Actually I wrote the script for myself after 'Emaindhi Ee Vela' and I wanted to direct it. But I got the offer of 'Racha' then and I couldn't direct the film then. When I narrated this story to Naveen, he liked it very much and agreed to direct it. We sat together for the script. I've spent two months for the script work of this film and then after, I left it completely to the director.

Did the direct film your thoughts well ? Are you satisfied with his work ?

He has done a fantastic job and I am completely satisfied with his work. He is a very experienced technician. He has worked with directors like Rajamouli and Raghavendra Rao. That experience has helped him so much.

Your Yemaindhi Ee Vela is a coming of age romantic entertainer and Racha is a pure commercial film . What is the genre of this film ?

The film falls into the genre of romantic entertainer. Why I am saying it is we have not focused 100% on love. We have touched it and dealt with emotions in everyone's lives.The entertainment quotient is high.

The entertainment quotient in the film also seems to be high ?

Yes the romantic quotient in the film is good but I assure that it will not exceed limits.

How is the working experience with Aadi ?

Aadi is a fantastic actor and he is very hard working. I met him first at the sets of this film. He comes to sets very early and he makes it sure. Even the other producers were surprised with his dedication. He has done a great job for this film. He worked as if it is home production and director. He has a lot of talent in him and I am sure he will make it big.

Reason behind selecting a foreign model like Kristina Akheeva for the lead actress role ?

We have an NRI role in this film and I was not convinced with the idea that our heroines should act in it. Then I saw a video of Kristina Akheeva and when I asked someone about her, they said that she acted opposite Sunny Deol. We approached her and she liked the script so much that, she immediately agreed to act in the film, without taking any remuneration.

At first you were a writer, then a director and now a producer ? Which role do you feel is challenging for you ?

No journey is difficult or easy here. If you have a good experience at anything, it will be easier. When I want to produce this film, my friends and well wishers have warned me against it. But young blood doesn't let you stop at anything. It will make you do whatever you want to. But I got a good team and so named my banner as Sampath Nandi team works. The complete credit of the film goes to my team.

Actually, though I am a producer of this film, I have zero knowledge on production even now. I only signed cheques when they want it.

Did you incorporate any message in this film, as you did for 'Yemaindi Ee Vela' ?

We have not incorporated any message particularly. But we tried to say that youth should live their life how they wanted to . We are not telling them to do murders or such things. Our intention is to tell that if they want to study something, just study it. If you love a girl, express it to her and convince your parents. But don't make a fool of yourself and die inside to protect the traditions and values. If you are good and happy, everything will be good.

How is your journey with the music director ?

I know Bheems right from when I was working as a writer. Actually he has to compose the music for 'Yemaindi Ee Vela', but it has not happened. For 'Racha', there was no chance. He has worked for a few films, but he didn't get a good break. He promised me to give super hit tunes and he did what he said. All the songs have become chartbusters. It's a very good journey with him.

Why did you title the film as 'Gaalipatam' ?

Gaalipatam (Kite) flies wherever the air takes it to. It doesn't have a particular direction and destination. There are some characters in the film like it. So we titled the film as 'Gaalipatam'.

Is the title not based on any particular character ?

Yes the title is based on hero's character. He looks confused because of his age. The confusion in young age is shown in this film in a very effective way. It has also some issues like how parents are raising their children etc.

How did you convince the censor members regarding the love making scene ?

We have not tried to convince the censor members. If we have done it, we would have got a U/A. They asked us to cut the scene if we want a U/A. But I thought the scene is necessary and kept it. So we got an A certificate.

What are the highlights of this film ?

I think the dialogues and music will be the highlights of the film, apart from the performances and the direction. Climax like this has never come in the recent times and it will be another highlight.

Tell us something about 'Gabbar Singh 2'

I think it would be fair if I talk about it later.

There are a lot of rumours about it ?

I don't want to respond on them. As you said they were just rumours. Don't believe in anything and the project will happen soon.

Sampath Nandi concluded that the film will cater to every section of the audiences, especially the youth