Young hero Ram started his film journey with a mass character in ‘Devdas’ and earned a different image with his energetic performance and dances. Later he went on to perform variety roles in about 10 films of which ‘Ready’ and ‘Kandireega’ are super duper hits. This year, he has opened his account with a disappointing movie ‘Ongole Gitta’ but later landed in a role in multi-starer movie ‘Masala’ and he feels that he has found the right path in his career. Directed by K Vijaya Bhaskar and produced by D Suresh Babu and Sravanthi Ravikishore on Suresh Productions and Sravanthi Movies banners, this Venkatesh –Ram’s rib-tickling comedy entertainer is ready for release on November 14th. On this occasion, Ram spoke to the media and shared his thoughts. Check out what he has to say about his upcoming release.
Firstly, tell us how you got into multi-starer movie?
So far I’ve done 10 films. All were made of fresh stories and so as this even though it’s a remake version. When it comes to direction, Vijaya Bhaskar uncle gave a different treatment. The audience will never get the feel of watching a remake movie. It was Venkatesh garu who watched ‘Bol Bachchan’ first and suggested my uncle to watch it saying that it would be great if he could direct it with us (Venkatesh and Ram) in lead roles. Finally I too watched the film on my uncle’s request, but my mind was not ready for it.
Tell us about your acting experience in a multi-starer movie?
I’m very happy for working with an actor, who I consider as a living legend. Venkatesh garu is one of the four heroes who are like four pillars to the Telugu film industry after four great veterans. Since Venkatesh garu had already did two films under Sravanthi Movies banner, I never felt tensed while performing with him. It was an awesome experience altogether!
What could be the reason?
That’s because since I’ve been acting as solo hero till now, I was not sure about reaction of Telugu audience if they see me in the second character. So it took two days for me to decide whether or not to do the second character. When you see in Bollywood, even star heroes show lot of interest in comedy based roles, whereas the atmosphere is different here. Having got the opportunity to explore a new character, I began my attempt believing that it would reach the audience well if I give it all I’ve got without looking back. None has influenced me regarding this film.
You have played a character that has gay shades. Have you ever done any homework on it?
No, not much. As an actor, you have to be open for any role, playing this role and that. The film started off with a song shoot. It was choreographed by Shiv Shankar master. So I simply followed him and after that I was quite comfortable and enjoyed performing my role.
Why the title ‘Masala’?
Several titles like ‘Gol Maala’ and ‘Garam Masala’ were thought of before we finalized on ‘Masala’. We felt that this title will connect well with the audience.
Tell us about your working experience with the director too?
Awesome! It was an awesome experience! It was very easy to work with him since Vijaya Bhaskar uncle was very clear about the script. He really worked hard on it and did quite a few changes as per the Telugu nativity. He took lot of care regarding this film. Working with him was very comfortable. He balanced very well while dealing with both the characters. He maintained the standard of the original movie ‘Bol Bachchan’ while carving the film. In the entire Indian cinema, Telugu cinema comedy is known for its highest quality. So one will find that quality in comedy in this film.
Do you give suggestions to your director regarding your character?
Of course there were several occasions when I got involved in direction for the best output, especially when it comes to my scenes.
Now, will you continue in multi-starrer films?
Absolutely, if anyone comes out with a good story, I’ll do a multi-starer with any hero irrespective of big or small heroes. My preference at this point in my career is to be as creative as possible in what I do.
What are some of the projects you are planning to work next?
My preference at this point in my career is to be as creative as possible in what I do and right now the process of buying stories is going on as I needn’t have to wait for good stories. So far I bought three stories. First I will search for the appropriate directors for all three of them and then think about combination and call sheets. So all said and done, it will be early next year.
One last question. What’s your expectation on the box-office hit range of ‘Masala’?
No one can predict if the film will be a hit or flop. We made a good attempt to make the audience laugh. Songs, trailers and dialogues have received positive talk. So I’m confident that the film will 100% reach the audience.
