July 04, 2012 Y. Sunitha Chowdhary
He's tall, he's suave, he's too good looking for the role of a villain and he's a new face on the Telugu screen. As Sudeep makes his debut in Telugu and few more languages through a simultaneous release, the audience is waiting with bated breath for the most unconventional story on Telugu screen to unfold..about Nani being reborn as a fly and taking revenge on Sudeep for killing him and keeping him away from his love.
The film Eega with a staggering amount of graphics took a year to finish and Sudeep in an exclusive chat and in his characteristic humourous style fields questions with unmistakable elan and humility. Was it difficult maintaining the consistency? "The whole concept was fantastic, the period of shooting was long but even then the interest depends on the quality of script, making and work from the director and the credit goes to Rajamouli for not letting it fall apart.
I don't think I found it difficult, but as I reminisce I can say that I wasn't familiar with the language, had to emote keeping the graphical movement in view and had to take care of the character. I was called for the purpose and had to deliver. I didn't bother about the camera et al but what was more important was that Rajamouli was watching and I didn't want any fingers pointing out at him tomorrow. Personally I enjoyed doing it, it offered a break from monotony, was negative and had lot of scope to perform but I wasn't biased."
How did it feel being bothered by a fly throughout instead of romancing heroines? "You mean romancing on screen right? Seriously, as an actor I get to do all kinds of things and as long as you understand you are actors, it isn't a difficult task unless you make it difficult for yourself. Also it is not that I'm stuck with a romantic image, I have done all kinds of roles, it is not about me and the fly, the concept is about the small winning over the big."
Sudeep avers there are plenty of graphs throughout the film and his character goes through many shades and there is no one specific character that defines his personality. "He's a sturdy sophisticated guy, then he likes her, there is villainism, seductivity, then there is humour and there is an outburst which is a mixture of all emotions, I enjoyed every bit and my favourite moment is being part of the film."
Having a simultaneous release in four languages, what does it mean to him? "Working with Rajamouli was educative and a big experience. He's so passionate about what he does. Sometimes there are so many big people around you, when you get to know someone closer you might not like them very much but this person's simplicity is endearing. The entire crew is marvellous, they know what they want. The language comes last to me, it's a feather in the cap at the end of the day, what matters to me is that I'm a part of the innovative venture. I feel so blessed."
Tell him he looked very handsome and he is sure to get more offers in Telugu he replies, "Obviously, I look better than the fly right? In Rajamouli's films all villains have a big red eye and a big moustache and for a change he made the villain look good here but seriously I'm excited and I want the film to fetch a lot of things for Rajamouli and team..its not a regular film and it is a experimental part coming from a commercial director."
