Going by actor Priyadarshi's words, Sarangapani Jathakam is going to be a cautionary tale about imposing one's beliefs on others. While Astrology could be a valid field of knowledge, excessive and blind faith in it might not be wise. Ahead of the release of the family-friendly comedy entertainer on April 25th, Priyadarshi talks about his movie, directed by Mohanakrishna Indraganti.
Indraganti recently described Sarangapani Jathakam as an astrological crime-comedy. What made you take up the project?
The story is so good. Protagonists who are regular and commonplace in our society find a wider reach. If you noticed it, Mallesham had me as a commoner. Sarangapani, too, is your guy next door. Stories in Balagam and Court, too, are rooted. Grounded stories have relatable pain in them.
What is your character like in the movie?
Sarangapani is a staunch horoscope believer. The film doesn't profess anything about whether you should believe in astrology or not. All that the film tries to say is what happens when you obsess with imposing it on others. The film, as such, is neutral. It doesn't take a biased stand. Sarangapani Jathakam was supposed to hit the cinemas last December. But business-related considerations made us push it to Summer.
We would like to know if you have faith in this horoscope thing?
I have some belief in its validity but I am not obsessed like Sarangapani is. I believe that no matter how much you work hard to bring out a good film, the result is not your control. As per a few astrologers my mother consulted many years ago, acting career was not in my fate. But I stuck to my conviction and faith in my talent.
How was it working with Indraganti, someone who has made comedies like Ashta Chamma?
Making comedy films is no mean feat. Indraganti's sense of comedy is distinct. Sarangapani Jathakam is unique for me because the character is new to me. The treatment is fresh. The story will resonate with one and all.
In your career, you have predominantly spoken the Telangana dialect. How about in this movie?
For the first time, I have tried the Andhra dialect in keeping with the director's style. His idea was to present me differently.
Sarangapani Jathakam has an ensemble cast. How was it working with them?
True. Tanikella Bharani garu, VK Naresh garu, Avasarala Srinivas, Vennela Kishore, Viva Harsha... These are fantastic and ever-so-friendly with fellow artists. Producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad garu is a humble man. He is a great producer with a classic like Aditya 369 to his credit.
Court, your previous release, was a big hit. Are you under pressure to deliver this time?
I am not feeling any pressure. Court worked because every character in it stood out. The audience don't watch a movie in a theatre just because I am a lead actor or something. These days, only content-strong films are paying off. The director has put in his best effort. As an actor, my job was to follow his instructions to the T.
You have mostly been doing class roles. Are you interested in an image makeover by doing mass-centric movies?
There is no dearth of action heroes in our industry. Collections wise, mass films are a great prospect. But one must also look at a star like Nani anna. He has done a mass film like Dasara and a class film like Hi Nanna. In their heyday, big stars like Chiranjeevi garu tried a range of genres. Content is what speaks. Protagonists from humble backgrounds in movies like Lucky Baskhar and Pushpa have been loved by the audience.
What are your upcoming movies?
Premante and Mitra Mandali, produced respectively by Asian Cinemas and Geetha Arts, are my upcoming movie releases.
