What inspired you to direct a film like YMC?
Honestly, no inspiration. The first lines I wrote when I decided I will write my next script was, ‘Of all the women in the world, why did I fall in love with Jessie'. I stared at that line for more than half an hour and then I started writing. I finished the first draft of the screenplay sitting in Hyderabad in one week.
How did you conceptualize the character Jessie?
Jessie is like most of ‘any other girl' category girls. Mind you, she is not confused. She very clearly knows what she wants. She wants to be with Karthik but is torn between what she wants and what she knows her father will want for her. I saw her in my mind, the way she spoke, the clothes she wears and what goes in her mind, I saw all that. Jessie is imaginary. I don't know anybody like Jessie personally but I think there are many girls like her out there.
You are an engineer who pursued a career in films. And in YMC also the hero has same ambitions coming from same background. Well! Any resemblance!
No resemblance. When I wrote Karthik, I thought an angle like that, an engineer wanting to be a filmmaker was a new angle to a character in film. And I was sure there are many guys like him out there.
How did you find directing Naga Chaitanya compared to Simbhu who did the same role in Tamil?
Both performances were different. Simbu was a little more intense and that went with his age. Chai was more subtle and boyish and younger. It's also unfair to compare because it's only Chai's second film. Having said that I must say that Chai did a very good job. He took some time to settle down with me and by the end of the first week of filming he knew what it was that I was looking for. He is a good guy and has a good head on his shoulders.
Your debut film ‘Cheli’ (Minnale in Tamil) and now ‘Ye Maya Chesavo’ (Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya in Tamil) depict love in different angles contrast to mundane approach. How do you get these ideas?
A filmmaker can’t be bogged down by the same genre of film. He has to come up with different stuff to keep the audience interest alive. I strive to do that without putting in too much of an effort. Looking back, Cheli was very immature. YMC is very mature and that's a good sign.
Why did you not decide dubbing of the successful Tamil film ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’? Also you have considered new faces in Telugu contrary to the Tamil version. What was your thought process?
I don't believe in dubbing a film. I produced the Tamil version which is the original and I would never have dubbed it. I feel dubbing is only a money making angle and anybody with a passion for films should never dub a film into another language. I did the Tamil version with known actors to suit a commercial format and for a little more money to come into the making of the film. But the script was originally meant for actors without an image, new faces. So I went ahead with that concept for theTelugu version.
You seem to be giving more weightage to heroines’ roles in your films. Why do you stick to this line when many films are hero dominating?
I can't write a script without a strong female character. Even in an action film, i need to have a girl and a love angle or at least a strong female character. Just like in life, there is no man without a woman.
Same way your importance to music is also very high. Do you by any chance have any musical background?
I am not a musician. I love music. I write my songs into the screenplay. I have a visual in my head about the songs even before I start filming the script.
How did you manage AR Rahman’s time inspite of his busy schedules after Oscars?
I did not push him to give me songs and didn't fix any deadlines. I knew he was really busy and music can't be forced and brought out. It has to come naturally. He is a master and a genius. I love the music of YMC
Romance as well as action has succeeded in your hands equally. What is the mantra?
A good realistic film that the audience can identify with will always work. Even if it's an action film, if the audience can see themselves in those characters, the film will work. That's what I try to do. Make it work for the audience.
Any horror films on the cards?
Yes, I would love to do a horror film. I am making a thriller now.
Why do we find classes appreciating your movies but masses take time to understand?
That's a thought creation of the media and not necessarily the audience'. Which person would like to say he's not a class audience kind of a person? The audience is the same. And even if you insist that there is a whole bunch of so called mass audience, I believe in makinga film out of what the script demands only. And these mass audience are moving over to the other side with the production of good films.
Mr K Balachander’s open appreciation vides a letter pours undisputed compliments to you and your work. He also addressed you as a new icon in SouthIndian Cinema. What are your comments on this?
I am overwhelmed and touched by the letter. He is a brilliant filmmaker and was known was for his powerful women characters. I have admired his films and till recently seen every film of his on the opening day and earlier watched all his earlier films on video while I was growing up as a filmmaker myself. To receive a letter from his just reminds me that Life throws up some unbelievable things at you now and then. It's a letter and words of appreciation that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life.
Your both films in Telugu, ‘Gharshana’ and now ‘YMC’ are hits. Are there any more films on the cards?
I would love to do many more Telugu films.
