Chirchat: Venky talks about Eenadu

Venkatesh is one actor in Tollywood who has no airs about his stardom. He has been trying to do different roles and has also been waiting for ‘multi-starrer’ movies to begin again in Tollywood. His dreams came true when Kamal Haasan approached him for the ambitious Marmayogi for a major role. Although the project fell through, Venky and Kamal decided to act in another film - Eenadu, a remake of Hindi flick A Wednesday. As the film is gearing up for release on Sep 18th, Venky shares his experiences with Kamal and much more in this chitchat..

Lets begin with Eenadu. Will this film work in Tollywood given the fact that Telugu movies thrive on commercial potboilers?
Eenadu ushers in a new trend in Tollywood. It is a beginning for many things. I can’t predict its fate at Box-office at this stage but I am sure that people who have been waiting for good films to come will like it.
Non-stars did the original film, A Wednesday, don’t you think star image of Kamal and you would hamper the subject?
The original was good film and it tasted success too but it could not reach to the C-centers or B-centers because it didn’t have stars. With Kamal and I are on board, we may achieve the goal. That was the whole point in we doing together. I am sure audiences will react to it positively. It is an honest attempt and we are not creating false impressions about the movie.
Did you have any apprehensions before signing this film?
Yes, I had my own reservations and initially when Kamal suggested of doing this film, I didn’t show much interest. One reason was I wanted to do both the versions - Telugu and Tamil. But Kamal insisted on taking in Mohan Lal for the Tamil version. And before that we (our production house) planned to remake it in Telugu in which I was to do both the roles – common man and Police commissioner. So I was reluctant to do Eenadu. But Kamal insisted on and said to me: “Venky, I saw most of your films. How long will you continue doing the same dance and song movies? It is high time that you jump into experimentation mould. You ought to accept this Venky. Don’t hesitate. We might inspire others to follow us. Think about it and don’t say no.” So I did eventually say yes.
You were first selected for Marmayogi!

Yeah, we have been planning to act together for a long time and when he called on me for a challenging role in his ambitious project Marmayogi, I was charged and immediately said yes. It is a great script and my role is also most challenging. When the project is stopped, I was disappointed.

What is that this bond between Kamal and you? He approached for you Marmayogi and then Eenadu. Is he looking in you a replica of his own?
No. Don’t dare compare any actor with the great Kamal Haasan. God! Look at range of films that he has done in the last 50 years. Did any actor in anywhere in the world attempt such roles like Kamal did? His never-ending zeal to do something different amazes me. When I saw Dasavatharam, I felt like, “God, what he is attempting, what low work that we are doing.” He puts actors like me in shame.
Any regrets not working with him earlier?
Yes, I feel unfortunate not to work with him before. And I am really satisfied creatively after working with him in Eenadu although we didn’t act together in not more than one scene as we pitted against each other.
Which of Kamal’s movies inspired you mostly?
There are plenty. But films that made lasting impression are - Swathi Muthyam, Nayagan, Kshatriya Putrudu and early K Balachander movies that he did. 
How many days you have worked for this?
Entire film was shot in just 30+ days and I worked for 15 days. It was minutely planned and executed accordingly. The film itself has just 1 hour 45 minutes runtime.
How was it working with Chakri Toleti, the first time director?
He is sincere and knows his job well. He is also very quick in doing things. Working with him using Red Camera Technology was an unique experience.
Did you slash remuneration to make it feasible commercially?
No, I didn’t even take remuneration yet. I always take remuneration only after the release and depending on the success and business, I will take it. It has been my way of dealing for the last 20 years.
Will you work with other heroes in Telugu?
Sure. In fact, I am ready to do even villain roles to the current young heroes if they provide strong script. I am game for it. Recently, when I was taking with some of the directors here, they felt really happy that I am doing Eenadu. They said it would give them impetus to work on challenging scripts.
Why do you think Telugu films are not reaching beyond the next level?
Of late we have been making good films but it all needs ‘just one great film’ to cross the bridge. I have immense confidence in today’s young talent that they are capable of making great films that can be liked universal audiences. All they have to do is make a daring step. Today’s young heroes (Mahesh, NTR, et all) are supremely talented and also some of the young directors got the talent to make it big at national level. They need to venture out. Just that.
Will you revive your Bollywood career?
I am planning to do similar multi-starrer in Bollywood. In fact, recently I was offered a cop role in a Hindi film. They are working on the script. Lets see how it materializes.

Why do you think Telugu heroes hesitate doing offbeat roles like Tamil heroes?
I could have done if I was offered Sethu kind of role. It is not that we don’t do, it is just that we are not getting such scripts to us. I was to do a film with Bala (director of Shivaputrudu) but he said he’d come to me with a better script.
Is there any actor in India whom you feel tough to copy his histrionics?

Yes, it is Mohan Lal. No actor can do the same like he did. His range of acting capabilities and his style is far superior. He is made of different acting school. That is why I never remade any of his films because you can’t reach his level however you try hard and eventually you get bad results if you copy him. The reason why most of remakes of Mohan Lal movies look pale to the original is this only.
Tell us about your current film - Namo Venkatesha?
It is an entertaining film with liberal dose of romance. It is essentially comedy movie. I don’t say it is completely different from my other entertainers but the characterization is unique. We have finished the first schedule recently in Iceland and Austria. From 11th of this month we are beginning a new schedule and it lasts till the finish. We are aiming for Sankranthi release.
Is there any devotional angle?
No. The title might mislead but there is no such devotional aspect to the story.
What are other films that you are committed?
Then there is Ganga to be directed by Amma Rajashekar. It will start soon.
by JP

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