Not nervous, I'm curious': Chiranjeevi on his comeback
Chennai,
Jan 11
Megastar Chiranjeevi has faced the arc lights after a long
hiatus of nine years in Telugu action-drama 'Khaidi No 150'. Instead of being
nervous about his comeback, he says he is curious to know how audiences would
receive him.
The film, a remake of Tamil blockbuster 'Kaththi', releases
worldwide on Wednesday.
Talking about the V.V Vinayak-directed film, Chiranjeevi told
IANS: 'I don't think I'm nervous but curious to know how I would look onscreen
after so many years and how I will be received by my fans.'
Asked how he motivated himself to don the greasepaint once
again, he said: 'I always had the zeal to come back to acting, but I never imagined
the kind of support I will get - both from within the family and from well-wishers
outside. It was very encouraging.'
Even at 61, Chiranjeevi's age hasn't quite caught up with him.
The 'Indra' actor can still give his contemporaries a run for their money.
He says all credit goes to his son Ram Charan, who is also
the producer of 'Khaidi No 150'.
'The minute we locked the script, it was my son who took it
up as a challenge to transform me physically. From monitoring my diet and working
out alongside me in the gym, he cared more than a son would normally for his
father,' he said.
In the film, Chiranjeevi plays dual roles and the story revolves
around the plight of farmers against urbanization.
'The film would change the perception urban people have about
farmers. Some portions of the film would serve as an eye-opener for a lot of
us. To keep everything realistic, we have quoted real numbers of farmer's death
due to corporate encroachments,' he said, reminding that nothing has been done
intentionally to earn political mileage for his career.
Would he still continue doing formula films where he has to
romance heroine half his age or even younger?
'I don't mind shying away from formula films and playing my
age. I like what Venkatesh is doing with 'Guru', where he's playing his age.
If I get a similarly interesting opportunity, I don't think I would stop myself
from accepting the offer,' he said.
Asked if he would like to do what Aamir Khan is doing with
his career, Chiranjeevi has qualms to admit he is not as talented as the former.
'As an actor, I have certain limitations and I can only improvise
within them. Aamir is highly talented and he can convince you with any role
essays. Take a look at what he achieved in 'PK'. I don't think anyone else could
have played that role,' he added.
Gearing up to host a new season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu,
Chiranjeevi says he will have another film release this year.
'There is a project in discussion with Paruchuri brothers.
It should happen this year. My 152nd film will be with director Boyapati Srinu,
and it will be produced by Geetha Arts,' he said, confirming that cinema has
taken precedence in his career for now.
Quiz him about his political ambition, he said: 'Since there's
no clear agenda in politics, my focus for the next few years will be on films.'
Chennai,
Jan 11
Megastar Chiranjeevi has faced the arc lights after a long
hiatus of nine years in Telugu action-drama 'Khaidi No 150'. Instead of being
nervous about his comeback, he says he is curious to know how audiences would
receive him.
The film, a remake of Tamil blockbuster 'Kaththi', releases
worldwide on Wednesday.
Talking about the V.V Vinayak-directed film, Chiranjeevi told
IANS: 'I don't think I'm nervous but curious to know how I would look onscreen
after so many years and how I will be received by my fans.'
Asked how he motivated himself to don the greasepaint once
again, he said: 'I always had the zeal to come back to acting, but I never imagined
the kind of support I will get - both from within the family and from well-wishers
outside. It was very encouraging.'
Even at 61, Chiranjeevi's age hasn't quite caught up with him.
The 'Indra' actor can still give his contemporaries a run for their money.
He says all credit goes to his son Ram Charan, who is also
the producer of 'Khaidi No 150'.
'The minute we locked the script, it was my son who took it
up as a challenge to transform me physically. From monitoring my diet and working
out alongside me in the gym, he cared more than a son would normally for his
father,' he said.
In the film, Chiranjeevi plays dual roles and the story revolves
around the plight of farmers against urbanization.
'The film would change the perception urban people have about
farmers. Some portions of the film would serve as an eye-opener for a lot of
us. To keep everything realistic, we have quoted real numbers of farmer's death
due to corporate encroachments,' he said, reminding that nothing has been done
intentionally to earn political mileage for his career.
Would he still continue doing formula films where he has to
romance heroine half his age or even younger?
'I don't mind shying away from formula films and playing my
age. I like what Venkatesh is doing with 'Guru', where he's playing his age.
If I get a similarly interesting opportunity, I don't think I would stop myself
from accepting the offer,' he said.
Asked if he would like to do what Aamir Khan is doing with
his career, Chiranjeevi has qualms to admit he is not as talented as the former.
'As an actor, I have certain limitations and I can only improvise
within them. Aamir is highly talented and he can convince you with any role
essays. Take a look at what he achieved in 'PK'. I don't think anyone else could
have played that role,' he added.
Gearing up to host a new season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu,
Chiranjeevi says he will have another film release this year.
'There is a project in discussion with Paruchuri brothers.
It should happen this year. My 152nd film will be with director Boyapati Srinu,
and it will be produced by Geetha Arts,' he said, confirming that cinema has
taken precedence in his career for now.
Quiz him about his political ambition, he said: 'Since there's
no clear agenda in politics, my focus for the next few years will be on films.'
Tags: ChiranjeeviRam Charan TejaKhaidi No. 150