There is only one Megastar in India: Chiranjeevi
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,August 20 2019]
Launching the Teaser for 'Sye Raa', Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan and others associated with the magnum opus today spoke to the media.
Speaking on the occasion, Megastar Chiranjeevi said, The film tells the story of an unsung hero. I wanted to bring this content to all Indians. Its storyline was conceived more than 15 years ago. I couldn't make the movie then due to budgetary constraints. Every Indian should know this story. Since the content is strong, I thought this is the best time for me to reenter Bollywood. I didn't get proper content in Hindi to act since 1992. Also, I was busy with politics and didn't do any film for 10 years.
I see Amitabh Bachchan ji as my mentor. There is only one Megastar and he is Amitabh Bachchan. Nobody can even come close to him. Big B has played my guru in the film. When my director said that he wants Amitabh ji for the role, I called him up and told him about the role. He gave a nod immediately over the phone. My heart-felt thanks to the Indian Megastar, Chiru added.
I have seen a lot of change in the film industry over the last 10 years. When I was doing my 150th film, I discovered that the atmosphere has transformed. The way films are exhibited today stands transformed, he added.
Chiru joked, They made me do the sword fights and horse-riding without a body double in 'Sye Raa'. Charan and my director didn't compromise anywhere. I had had a surgery on my shoulder and despite this, they didn't let me go for a body double.
Ram Charan said, This film wouldn't have been possible but for my dad. I am not shying away from Bollywood. It's all about content. Coming with the right content matters. Next year, I will have a release in Hindi. 'RRR' will be a comeback film in Hindi. My dad is completely different when he puts the make-up on. Once he is in front of the camera, I can't handle him.
Tamannaah Bhatia said, People should know this story. I am very proud to be a part of this film. Suri sir (director) always imagines me in novel roles. I thank him for making me a part of this extremely special movie. Ram Charan has put his heart and soul in the film. Sushmitha Konidela's costumes are amazing. She transformed me into Lakshmi completely.
'Kicha' Sudeep said, I admired greats like Amitabh ji and Chiranjeevi ji while growing up. I congratulate Charan for making his dad's dream ('Sye Raa') come true. Besides this film, I have got to be a part of 'Dabanng-3' this year.
Ravi Kishen said, I am like an Aghori-type artiste who can change shapes. I am fluid like water. I am grateful for south cinema. It was because of 'Race Gurram' that I am here. So, Surender Reddy sir is my Godfather in the south industries. I am glad to have got to work with the Megastar himself. I got to learn so much from him. Chiranjeevi garu used to dance on his knees when there were no comforts like knee pads. He and Big B are legends. My character in the film is named Basi Reddy. Standing with a sword behind Chiru garu on the set itself was like 'moksha' for me.
Production Designer Rajeevan said, It was so taxing that I slept two weeks non-stop after wrapping up the film.
Music director Amit Trivedi said, This is my debut in Telugu. I can't be more happy and proud that I got to be part of this amazing project. Music has no language. The director and writers made it so easy for me.
Surender Reddy said, I can't speak much today, as I am a bit nervous. It was not difficult for me to handle the ensemble cast. All the artists cooperated with me totally. My hero Chiranjeevi garu helped me make it happen.
Bollywood distributor Anil Thadani said, I don't think to distribute big films like 'Saaho' and 'Sye Raa' is risky. Big-ticket films like these generally turn out to be hits. The biggest risk-takers when it comes to films like these are producers. Hats off to them. There is always ample room for two-three releases to survive in a week.
Farhan Akhtar, who is presenting the Hindi version of 'Sye Raa', said, It's not like two friends (referring to Hrithik Roshan and his film 'WAR', which too releases on October 2) can't release their films on the same day. There is enough number of screens.
Ritesh, a fellow presenter, said, The government understands what happens with cinemas. There are cities where the screens are too many. And then there are places where there are too less of them. We have to catch up with China in this regard. If people want to watch 'Sye Raa' and 'WAR', they will watch both on two different days.