Bangarraju’s Budget Planned As Per AP Ticket Rates: Nagarjuna

Soggade Chinni Nayana was the biggest blockbuster for Nagarjuna who is coming up with its sequel Bangarraju that features his son Naga Chaitanya in the role of China Bangarraju. The film directed by Kalyan Krishna will release in theatres tomorrow. Nagarjuna interacted with media ahead of the film’s release. Excerpts from the interview.

What are the added responsibilities for the sequel?
First part was accepted and it was a big hit. That’s an advantage, as people who liked Soggade will wish to watch the sequel. Promising audience to give a perfect Sankranthi movie is the biggest responsibility on us.

Was Naga Chaitanya roped in for the sake of combination?
In SCN, Bangarraju comes to save his son. I played both the father and the son. To be honest, the bloodline chemistry is really working for us. I also worked with my nanna. You wouldn’t have felt the magic, hadn’t we acted together in Manam. Vikram Kumar planned to remake Manam, but it didn’t happen due to combination issues. However, Chay did the film not just for the sake of combination. This film works more with Chay playing China Bangarraju.

How do you keep your father’s memory alive?
I remember my father, whenever I wear panche. I believe that Nanna’s aura is there around us. If we feel stressful in house, we believe Nanna will take care of it. My brother too used to say the same.

Will there be another sequel for Bangarraju?
I can’t tell right now. Senior Bangarraju’s soul can come at any time. We will decide on sequel, after one week.

Do you feel Anup Rubens takes special care on your movies?
Anup gave good music for others as well. After Ishq, we confirmed him for Manam. He gives time and also takes good time. He is like a family member. He doesn’t feel bad, if we ask to change anything. Kalyan Krishna too is very close to him. The songs in Bangarraju are much better than SCN.

Did you give any suggestions to Chay?
I didn’t give any suggestions, but I told him to watch SCN. I used to read dialogues and send tapes him. When Sr Bangarraju possesses him, his body language should be different. Kalyan Krishna has taken good care, in terms of body language, diction and other aspects.

What do you say about your journey with Ramya Krishna?
It’s a golden combination. We know each other very well. She’s very jovial, like always.

Why were you particular about releasing the film for Sankranthi?
We started the movie’s shooting on August 25th and prepared the team to work accordingly. However, we didn’t compromise on anything.

Your journey with Kalyan Krishna?
Kalyan Krishna is easy to deal with. If I don’t like something, he readily agrees and modifies it. He’s very good with his pen and as we know he wrote a song as well.

How’s singing experience?
I just wanted to sing initial portions, but I was requested to sing the full song. But singing is not my cup of tea.

Was Chay comfortable doing a rural character?
Naga Chaitanya will surprise you as China Bangarraju, though he had doubts whether he will look apt in the character or not.

Why did you say that ticket rates are not an issue for your film?
The GO on ticket rates came, before we began shoot of our film. We planned the budget accordingly. So, ticket pricing is not a big problem for the budget of Bangarraju.

Will there be Ramu character in the sequel?
There is Ramu character who lives in USA. He speaks to his son on phone.

Chay seems to have got more space in trailer, who has got more in the film?
We gave more space to Chay, as unknown presence of mine is there throughout the film.

How’s Krithi Shetty on sets?
What I liked the most about Krithi Shetty is she speaks in Telugu. She’s very professional. There are no complaints on her.