In this interview, 'Winner' director Gopichand Malineni talks about the subject, working with Sai Dharam Tej, the horses seen in the movie, why it had to be shot in Turkey, and more.

What is the story about?

The story traces how the hero journeyes his way to victory. It narrates the obstacles he faces in his fight, how he limps back to victory after being grounded. That's why we have chosen 'Winner' as the title.

The hero doesn't like horses, races and his father. But how such a guy puts up a thorough fight for the sake of his father and love is to be seen. Jagapathi Babu is playing Tej's father. The scenes between them come with a high emotional content.

Is the film targeted mainly at youngsters?

'Winner' is a commercial entertainer. Along with commercial elements, it has action sequences, comedy and emotions. Importantly, the emotional scenes will be lapped up by the family audience.

The film will be exciting right from the word go. The horse-racing scenes in the last twenty minutes will stand out as a highlight. Comedy episodes have come out very well. Prudhvi as Singam Sujatha, Ali as Peter Heins and Vennela Kishore as the hero's friend Padma have done their hilarious parts so well.

How was it working with Teju?

Sai Dharam Tej's energy levels are huge. He has done well in action sequences, dances and horse racing sequences. Teju's comedy timing is also very good. He has done the emotional scenes, in particular, amazingly well. 'Winner' will increase his range.

Tell us about what went into making it authentic?

Finding the locations to shoot the horse races was very difficult. We finally decided to shoot it in Turkey. The horses of Turkey are very powerful. We have used ten horses in total in the climax race. The sequences have come out very well. A stunt choreographer from Hollywood who has worked for films like 'Gladiator', 'Fast And Furious' and 'Troy', has worked on them.

It was because of the stunt choreographer's experience that the horse used by Teju could be handled without hurting the rider. It comes with about 20 years of experience. It starts moving when you say 'Action' and halts when you say 'Cut'. It's a well-trained horse which has done a number of Hollywood movies.

How was it working with Rakul?

It was the second time that I have worked with Rakul Preet Singh after 'Pandaga Chesko'. She is as hard-working as Anushka. She is playing an athlete who wants to win a running race. Since she is a fitness freak, she got into the skin of the character quite fast.

Why did you cast Anasuya for the special song?

I wanted to rope in Anasuya because she is very familiar to the Telugu audience. She first rejected the offer, but when she heard the lyrics, she said 'Yes'. That the song should be crooned by Suma was Thaman's idea.

As a director, what do you believe in?

I don't like to announce my next film until I am done with my current project. The producers and distributors invest large sums and it's my duty to ensure that I make a film in such a way that my film makes profits. That's why I take my time to launch a movie.