Gunasekhar On His Next 3 Historic Films

Gunasekhar is one of the successful commercial filmmakers in the Telugu film industry. With Chudalani Undi, he has given a new image to Chiranjeevi, and with Okkadu, he delivered Mahesh’s career biggest commercial hit that time. Of late, Gunasekhar is inactive. His last film Rudramadevi released in 2015, and his next film Shakuntalam will release next year. He spent almost 6 years in the pre-production of two films. On the occasion of his birthday today, the star director opened up on various projects.

Gona Ganna Reddy
During the release of Rudramadevi, many reported that Guna is planning to do a film based on Gona Ganna Reddy’s character. Allu Arjun, who played this role in Rudramadevi, is said to be doing the full-length film. However, Gunasekhar has given clarity on the film. Gunasekhar feels that Gona Ganna Reddy’s character is limited, and there is no scope to extend it. “If we add non-existent stories to the character, it will spoil the essence of it, and it is best to avoid making a film,” said Gunasekhar, adding, “During the making of Rudramadevi, many told me to drive the film from Gona Ganna Reddy’s point of view, but I preferred to do it like how I planned. Gona Ganna Reddy comes in Rudramadevi’s story and not the other way.”

Hiranyakashyapa
Hiranyakashpa was supposed to be Gunasekhar’s next film, but the project has been put on hold. Gunasekhar confirmed that the project is on the cards, and it was not called off. He apparently spent 3 years on the pre-production. “I was in touch with a lot of Hollywood filmmaking experts for Hiranyakashyapa. I learned their style of filmmaking, where they spend a lot of time on pre-production and post-production to reduce the days in production. I spent enough time on pre-production, and I am confident that I will finish the shoot in ten months and wrap up the post-production too in less time. After Shakuntalam, my immediate project will be Hiranyakashyapa,” revealed Gunasekhar. Rana Daggubati will play Hiranyakashyapa.

Shakuntalam
Shakuntalam is Gunasekhar’s immediate project. The film is already in production. The film’s new schedule will kick-start as soon as the lockdown comes to an end. Gunasekhar reveals that his daughter Neelima suggested Samantha’s name for Shakuntala character in the film. Samantha is said to have taken two months to prepare herself physically and mentally to do this character. According to Gunasekhar, Samantha is enjoying the shoot.

Prataparudrudu
Prataparudrudu is the grandson of Rudramadevi and the last king of the Kakatiyas dynasty. During the promotions of Rudramadevi, Gunasekhar confirmed that Prataparudrudu would be the sequel to Rudramadevi, but there is no news on it afterward. In the recent interview, he shared insights into this film as well. Gunasekhar finished the film’s script work during the post-production of Rudramadevi. “I am making the film without a doubt. It will go on to the floors as soon as I wrap up Shakuntalam and Hiranyakashyapa,” says Gunasekhar.

In a career spanning 23 years, Gunasekhar did only 12 films. Talking about the same, Gunasekhar realized that he has to speed up and do more films. “Gone are those days where people remember what you achieved in the past and we have to keep making films. I know I slowed down, but I am trying to strike a balance in between films.” he shared.