TeluguCinema.Com - Ramesh Varma

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Ramesh Varma - Chitchat
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Sep 17, 2008 - 3:44:16 PM

It was during the audio release function of Oka Oorilo... (2005) that I met Ramesh Varma. Since then, I had been in touch with him regularly. In the wake of Mallepuvvu getting ready for release, TeluguCinema.Com presents a brief chit chat with the publicity designer-writer-director Ramesh Varma.

NaChaKi: You've not directed any film in the last three years since Oka Oorilo....

Ramesh Varma: As a publicity designer, I am quite busy with about 20 films each year! My producers Ravikumar Reddy, Kaushik, and Ramesh gaaru insisted that I should a film right after Oka Oorilo.... I even have some stories ready, but my experience in Oka Oorilo... made me rethink. I'd make a film only when I can make it like I want to.

NaChaKi: How can you ready stories and think about direction while you're so busy as a publicity designer? Don't you think it's risky to choose such two-pronged path?

Ramesh Varma: I came to the industry to be busy with something all the time, while I grow right here in the film world! I do anything for films! From the moment I wake up and until I hit the hay again, all my wake moments are dedicated to films and nothing else! I know no prongs and paths.

NaChaKi: When the film Mallepuvvu was in casting stage, the producer and director were different. Did the story also change? What's the reason behind the prolonged delay and numerous changes?

Ramesh Varma: I wanted to direct Mallepuvvu myself initially. At such a time, Samudra approached me and asked that he'd make it in his direction. My original story has been retained, but Samudra did make some changes to suit his taking style. The delay is essentially because we were waiting for the corporate company Moserbaer to start production. After one year and a half, we decided to proceed on our own.

NaChaKi: The songs in Oka Oorilo... were good. Even in Mallepuvvu, Ilayaraja gaaru himself told that you played a major role in the songs. What's your music taste like? Were you trained in music?

Ramesh Varma: It's true that Mallepuvvu was still my film when I approached Ilayaraja gaaru for the film. I like music a lot, so much that I cannot imagine my life without music! I haven't learnt any music, but I have the sense of discretion to identify a well-made song among others.

Ramesh Varma with Ilayaraja

NaChaKi: When can we expect your next film as a director? Too many titles are being heard in connection with your name. Would you work on all these at the same time? Or, which one would you start first?

Ramesh Varma: There'd surely be a film this year! Stories are all ready too, like I said. How I'd go about, what, and when... I'd soon reveal the details. And, all at once, you say? No one can do many films at the same time, at least that's unlike me! I'd only do film by film.

NaChaKi: What's your involvement in Mallepuvvu? And, what are your expectations?

Ramesh Varma: The moment I gave my story to Samudra, I stopped thinking about the film. I have all faith in Samudra. I don't believe in intervention or interference in the name of involvement - I only believe in keeping faith in my director. ...I suffered when I did Oka Oorilo and I know the pain. I don't want to cause it to someone else!

NaChaKi: Your stories seem to have an nativity element but are nevertheless aimed at youth. Do you plan it that way? What kind of films do you like to make?

Ramesh Varma: I basically like love stories with action or "dreamy" films. I like to make films such as Yash Chopra's. You can surely expect such a film from me, in fact! And, I cannot make films that miss the Telugu nativity!

NaChaKi: Is the story of Mallepuvvu inspired by any other film?

Ramesh Varma: I'd be honest in saying that the film is indeed inspired by an international film from a famous director. I did get my basic idea of the plot from that film, but Mallepuvvu isn't like a copy of the original! The resemblance ends at the basic plot point.

NaChaKi: Looking into the past once, can you tell the reasons for the failure of Oka Oorilo...?

Ramesh Varma: There'd be several reasons behind certain happenings. ("karNuDi chaavuku laksha kaaraNaalu"!) Success is the outcome when one can put one's heart into the job! Casual working style can only result in a failure. I have been indeed waiting to do a film into which I can put my heart! I'd surely do a film that'd be successful!

Interview by: NaChaKi