The buzz about ‘Naan Ee’

Giving the diminutive housefly a super hero image is director S.S. Rajamouli in his bi-lingual film, Naan Ee (in Tamil) and Eega (in Telegu).

Rajamouli’s earlier film, Magadheera, was a box-office hit which won two national awards for choreography and special effects.

Naan Ee stars Telegu actor Nani, who impresses as the charming lover boy, Tamil actress Samantha and Kannada actor Sudeep.

The film was made on a budget of Rs400 million with 50 per cent of the budget spent on visual effects,which were done in the US, Russia and Poland.

A saga of love and vengeance, Naan Ee has the hero reincarnated as a housefly. Taking viewers on a flight into the fantasy world, Naan Ee, revolves around a fly and the havoc it creates in the villain’s life while protecting his lady love.

Of course this calls for a willing suspension of disbelief. Rest assured, at the end of the ride, you will be left grinning. The family-friendly film has cute moments, brilliant visual effects and breathtaking cinematography.

 tabloid! chatted with Kannada actor Sudeep about his role, as an ego-centric businessman with a roving eye for women.

You’ve been getting good reviews. How do you feel?

Yes, there are lots of compliments coming my way. I loved the concept of the story and working with a passionate director like Rajamouli was an amazing experience. But the joy comes in hearing people appreciate the film and the director. I thank Rajamouli for casting me in this role. His clarity is impeccable and his vision superb. The graphics were done after the shooting of the film. The fly had to express itself through its body language. And that’s where you see the vision of the director.

What were the challenges of performing opposite a fly?

This is not your regular or cliched villain. My character is sophisticated with negative shades. Understanding the sensibilities and emotions of the fly was foremost. An actor needs to get into the mind of the director and understand what he wants. Don’t we still smile thinking about our loved ones though they may not be there in front of us. An imaginary fly is no different. Nothing is difficult if we want to do it. Once the camera started rolling, I stepped into the character’s shoes. I did not want to let Rajamouli down. That pressure kept me on my toes. I am familiar with Tamil but had to work hard on my Telegu lines.

And your co-stars?

I loved Nani’s performance. He expressed himself beautifully. Samantha is a sweet lady. It was easy working with them. I did not feel like an outsider.

What is next?

I play a cop in ‘Vardhanayaka,’ a Kannada film directed by Ayyappa P. Sharma. This is a remake of ‘Lakshyam,’ a 2007 Telegu hit. I have signed another Kannada film, ‘Bachchan,’ directed by Shashank where I play an angry young man.

How did films happen for you?

In college I used appear on stage as a singer and a guitarist. I was always inclined towards performing arts. Films were a natural progression. Initially there were hurdles, but I overcame them well.