M S Raju is top rated filmmaker. Although his recent films are not doing well and dragged into controversies, they do not deter the big time producer. Raju turns now director with Vaana starring Vinay and Meera Chopra. As his maiden directorial venture releasing on Sankranthi, he speaks to Telugucinema.com. Here is chitchat with him.
What went wrong with your last two films?
I faced lot of criticism for Aata. It was meant to be an entertainer. What would I do if it didn't connect with the audiences? We did sincere work. The film was not loser. It is with Pournami that I lost much. Even then, I don't blame anyone for the failures. I take the responsibility.
You penned screenplays for many of your films. It is surprise that you choose a remake film for your maiden directorial venture!
When I saw the Kannada movie, Mungaru Male, it moved me and touched my heart. I was inspired. I wanted to produce it in Telugu. Later I felt that why shouldn't I direct it myself when I was moved with the story. You have to direct a story that you loved. Remaking a film is nothing wrong. Even a great director like James Cameroon remade Titanic.
What is the novelty?
Vaana is an embodiment of love. A good romantic film is one that either makes you fall in love or arouses the romantic feelings. Vaana has that good 'feel'. Subject is fresh. Screenplay is different.
The Kannada original was a tragedy. Don't you think it is commercial risk?
Who said it is a tragedy? We have borrowed the main point and re-worked it without losing the original flavor. You will get to see my point after the release.
There is a heavy competition this time for Sankranthi!
As a member of Telugu film fraternity, I always wish all films should run successfully. Personally, I believe Sankranthi easily accommodates 3,4 films. People come to see my films for the feel goodness and I do have my own loyal audiences.
Some say it is not your directorial debut because you have been ghost-directing all your productions. What is your comment?
I accept the fact that only Gunashekar (Okkadu) and Kodi Ramakrishna (Shatruvu) were real the captains in my productions. They had brought their own stories and executed it so well. For other productions, I have provided the story, screenplay and everything. Others term it as 'interference' but I say it is 'involvement' in my own films. Now, Teja is directing a film for me and he doesn’t come into this category. He is real captain of the ship.
Vaana was supposed to be your son’s maiden film. Wasn't it?
Yes, I planned this with my son Sumanth Ashwin. When I saw the movie for 10 times, I realized that the lead character should be matured guy. My son is in still teens.
How do you take criticism?
I welcome them. I do watch all films like a critic so when I read the bad reviews about my films, I don't get offended.
Most of the stars and technicians who worked with you have failed when they left you!
I always pray that those who worked with me should further in their respective careers. We should not judge one by one flop. Mahesh Babu got big commercial break with my Okkadu; he is superstar now. Reema Sen became a big star. I gave life to Devi Sri Prasad. Trisha is a sensation now. Only few of them are not doing well but I wish them all the best.
What are the next films?
Teja is directing a film introducing my son. Then there is another movie to be directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. Some more will be finalised in a few weeks.
