'Chor Bazaar', which stars Puri Jagannadh's son Akash Puri as the hero, features Gehna Sippy as the heroine. The Jeevan Reddy directorial will hit the cinemas on June 24. UV Creations is releasing the movie in theatres.
In this interview, the third-time actor Akash Puri talks about his character in the action entertainer, working with the 'George Reddy' director, the characters played by the heroine and yesteryear actress Archana, his father's feedback, and more.
I have played a mass character named Bachchan Saab in 'CB'. He is someone who is always there for his friends and neighbours no matter what. A coveted diamond is at the center of the plot.
The heroine (Gehna Sippy) is a mute character. It has been a while since we have seen such a character in Telugu cinema. She is daring and dashing. Gehna is from Mumbai.
We believe that petty businessmen in the Chor Bazaar in Hyderabad are all criminals. They too have families and are individuals like the rest of us. Our film tries to humanize them.
Jeevan Reddy's biggest strength is action. His style is unique. 'CB' is completely different from his previous movies, 'Dalam' and 'George Reddy'. With 'CB', I am going to be elevated as a commercial hero. My characterization is in contrast to what you saw in 'Romantic' and 'Mehabooba'. My image is going to undergo a makeover with this film.
Sharing the screen with a great actress like Archana garu has been a blessing. She is a two-time National Award winner. I call myself Bachchan Saab in the film. And she has played a woman who is a die-hard fan of Amitabh Bachchan.
Mine is a completely fictional character in the movie. The action portions have been mounted with great style. The final 10-15 minutes are going to be high on style and action. The film was shot against the backdrop of live locations such as Chor Bazaar and the Charminar. A lot of the film was shot on set. There is a 10-minute shot involving 200 junior artists. All major artists of the film will be seen in the stretch. It took almost an entire evening and night to shoot the portion.
My father felt that the film is looking grand. After watching the trailer, he was thrilled. He is yet to watch the full film. He will do it after the release.
More than doing back-to-back movies, my wish is to deliver a box office hit. I am in for a long haul. I have to go slow and steady.
I don't agree with the criticism that I played a role that was too big for my age in 'Romantic'. I was a wannabe gangster in the film and a lot of gangsters start at the age of 18 or 19 in real life.
My next theatrical release is going to be a comedy. Then there is a sports film, which is not a biopic. I don't want to reveal its backdrop.
No matter how much you promote a movie, it's difficult these days to drag the audience to theatres. I am interested in theatrical ventures rather than OTT projects. Watching a movie in a theatre is an unmatched emotion. Cinema has a lot of respect.
My father doesn't give suggestions related to my career. He motivates me and that's all about it. He does give feedback on my work. I do ask him for his review if something doesn't work.
