‘Damurakam’ a socio-fantasy
“It is going to be a visual treat,” promised Telegu director Srinivass Redde talking about his upcoming film, ‘Damarukam,’ a socio-fantasy featuring Nagarjuna and Anushka Shetty in the main roles. Produced by Dr Venkat, with music by Devi Sri Prasad and cinematography by Chota K Naidu, ‘Damarukam,’ is the highest budget film in the Telegu industry.
Redde, whose earlier film Yamogolla Malli Modalayindi,’ a socio-fantasy was a big hit said, “That success prompted me to make Damurakam.”
This script was inspired from a single line narrated by Veligonda Srinivas, script writer of another Redde film, ‘Bomanna Brothers Chandana Sisters.’
In the making for almost two years ‘Damarukam,’ revolves around three characters; a human being, a God and an asura (demon). Anushka Shetty plays the heroine.
“It is a triangle,” reveals the director who was clear about entering films since his school days.
“This project went beyond my dreams. Working with Nagarjuna was a memorable experience. He is so down to earth and a complete director’s actor. Anushka has a divine look in the story and I worked on getting her dialogues and costumes perfect.”
Nagarjuna plays a taxi driver in this story. This is the first time the actor is working in a socio-fantasy film. The CG effects done by Hyderabad based Fire Fly Creative Studios extend to a little more than an hour.
“These effects however do not mar the flow of the story but is a part of the narrative,” clarified the director who assisted directors Vijaya Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna, before going solo in ’97.
“Watch out for the climax scene, it is amazing.”
Playing important roles are Prakash Raj, (as God Shiva), Telegu actor Ravishankar, (as the antagonist) and Tamil actor Ganesh Venkataraman in a surprise role.
“Ganesh’s career will change post ‘Damarukam,’ added Redde. “His performance is excellent.”
Speech challenged artiste Abhinaya plays Nagarjuna’s sister.
“Directing her was an interesting experience. She is quick at understanding instructions and has put in a commendable performance.”
Yesudas sings his first song once again
After fifty years, the veteran playback singer found himself singing his first song, ‘Neeyum Bommai Naanum Bommai,’ from the 1963 classic Tamil film, ‘Bommai,’ directed by late S Balachander.
This time it was for a remix version for debutant, Naveen’s film, ‘Moodar Koodam.’ According to the director, ‘Moodar Koodam’ is a black comedy based on Gautama Buddha’s saying: ‘It’s better to travel well than to arrive.’
“As the script subtly deals with the purpose of life, the climax song had to be on a philosophical note,” said Naveen. So, I thought a remix version of the song with the same lyrics and mesmerising voice of Yesudas sir would do justice to the climax of the film.”
When Naveen approached Vijay Yesudas to render the remix version of the song, an impressed Vijay referred him to his father, who was only happy to sing the number.
“Yesudas sir has recreated his magic once again after 50 years with this song,” said Naveen.
“He was pleased with the way the song has been remixed and appreciated music director Natarajan Sankaran for having preserved the soul of the song. He recorded the song in twenty minutes. It was a memorable moment with the legend.”
‘Makkhi’ at it again
As if imitating Ajay Devgn was not enough, Rajamouli’s ‘Makkhi,’ apes Sallu bhai, as it performs the ‘towel dance,’ that the Bollywood star made popular.
This scene was newly incorporated in the Hindi version of ‘Eega,’ the Telegu original.
‘Makkhi’ a romantic comedy stars Telegu actor Nani, Tamil actor Samantha and Kannada actor, Sudeep in the main roles. The success of the film in its Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam versions was attributed to the excellent graphics work, outstanding performance by Sudeep, (as the villain crossing swords with a house-fly) and breathtaking visuals.
Enjoy this love story with your family. ‘Makkhi’ releases in cinemas on October 12.
