Friendship is my breathe - King Nagarjuna

After the super hit "Soggade Chinni Nayana", Nagarjuna is back with yet another entertainer "Oopiri", directed by Vamsi Paidipally starring Karthi and Tammanah in the lead roles. 

On the eve of the film’s release, we caught up with him for a detailed interview. Let’s see what he has to say.

What is the reason for acting in this movie?
I have watched a French movie "Intouchables" once, it's too inspiring.A very hesitant Vamsi Paidipally approached me with this project. As soon as he told me that it was the adaptation of the French film The Intouchables, I agreed to do it right away as I had seen the original and loved it. As Telugu audience cannot digest the actual movie we made few modifications.

Can you tell us about the character you played?
Vikram Aditya is a billionaire who is paralyzed down the naval in an accident. He runs a multi-business and is assisted by loyal managers and is looking for a caregiver. He wants a caregiver who shouldn’t be of mere physical help but someone who can cheer him up.Srinu, a pickpocketer who is out of jail on parole will be selected as his caregiver. Srinu impresses Vikramaditya with his true behavior. The film deals with the bond developed between Vikramaditya and Srinu.

Wasn't it difficult to act without any body movements?  
Oopiri is one of the most difficult films in my career. It was a pretty difficult task as I was confined to the chair and also the film was shot in both the languages at a time. A special assistant was appointed just to check my movements which shouldn't happen, as I play a paralyzed character. I told Vamshi not to hesitate in retaking the shots. I am very happy at the end result. 

Did you even think about the risk in doing this movie?
Every scene in the movie will be unique. My father and Rama Rao garu are known to act in experimental movies like 'Dr Chakravarthy', 'Batasari'. They used to play different characters. But since 1980 no one replaced the but after 2015 a hope has begun for experimental movies.

What's your message from this movie?
"People with problems: physical or mental can live happily if they get a perfect companion"; this is what I liked in the French movie. What we have thought was presented in the movie. I can confidently say that the movie inspires everyone.

It seems that there is good bond with Karthi now?
Karthi is a good human who surprised me with his acting capabilities. The way he has gone about his role will impress everyone big time. He is dedicated. Jaya Sudha garu opened the same about him. Karthi has learned Telugu and gave dubbing to his role provoking me to dub my voice for Tamil.This movie Karthi will connect as Karthi with Telugu audience.

Is that you have dubbed for the Tamil version as well?
Yes, I have just wrapped up my dubbing part. After seeing someone else dub for me, Karthi insisted that I should dub in my own voice. Even though it was quite a tough job, I managed it.

Is this a special movie for you?
"Oopiri" will be a good movie and it's a life changing movie in my career. Even Oopiri belongs to different section like "Shiva", "Geetanjali", "Ninne Pelladtha" and "Annamayya". My role in this movie builds confidence in writers to approach me with any unique story.

Why did Karthi replace NTR?
Yes, we have considered NTR first but however, his dates are not available and he informed us to proceed without him. 

What is your opinion about PVP Cinemas?
Hats off to PVP garu, he is encouraging new format of movies. As the movie is released in two languages we have gone for many reshoots and had a lot of variations in the songs as well. 

Is Anushka playing any role?
Yeah...she is in a guest role.

Any update on Akhil's movie?
He is going to act in a Hindi remake. Right now he is in discussion with Vamsi Paidipally but nothing has been confirmed yet. I can give clarity about it only when things materialize. Naga Chaitanya and Kalyan Krishna are working on a project.

What are your next projects?
A movie is going onto the sets in the month of May with Raghavendra Rao garu.