'Om Bheem Bush', touted to be a full-on comedy entertainer co-starring Sree Vishnu, Priyadarshi and Rahul Ramakrishna, will hit the cinemas on March 22. Helmed by Sree Harsha Konuganti, the film is brought out by UV Creations and V Celluloid (produced along with Sunil Balusu).
In this interview, actor Priyadarshi talks about trying out an all-out comedy years after 'Jathi Ratnalu'. He reiterates that he believes in being an actor rather than a hero.
Director Harsha pitched a skeletal idea of this film during the making of 'Hushaaru'. At that time, the idea was too basic. After the idea was developed into a full-fledged script after he did 'Rowdy Boys'. This is a sort of a buddy comedy with horror elements.
Dr. Vinay Gummadi is my name in the film. My two friends and I are Osmania University veterans. I am a Science believer, while the other two believe in occult practices and the power of Mantras. They are city-bred unlike the three lead men from 'Jathi Ratnalu', who came from a small-town background. The settings are totally different in the two movies.
'OBB' is mostly humorous. The three friends and their conversations are hilarious throughout. The characters in the village are equally fun. One of them is played by Raccha Ravi. Ayesha Khan is paired up with me. There is a party song and another one set up in a whacky background. There are no romantic songs per se.
When you are doing a buddy comedy, you have to speak the language of the youth. Our target audiences are 18-30 age group, who are well-versed with the social media culture and meme language. References to popular Telugu films have to be there. This is not an adult comedy. There are no sexual references anywhere. Clean comedy is always such a task. We have to set our own boundaries that must never be exceeded. Nobody likes vulgarity.
It was fun working with Rahul and Vishnu, whom I have known for many years. We all three come from no film background. We all have that extra bit of connection as friends.
When I am an artist, I am fluid. When I call myself an actor, my opportunities are expansive. I get to do variety. 'Mangalavaaram' had me in a key role but it was not a lead role. My character was as important as that of Payal Rajput. In the Hotstar web series 'Save The Tigers' (two seasons), I play a dad to a pre-teen girl. I give my characters enough time. I spend time with my directors discussing the script/character. I do my research and homework. If I get time, I also participate in workshops. After a serious movie like 'Mallesham', I acted in a total comedy entertainer. At that time, I did films like 'F2' and 'Brochevarevarura'. I was 26 when 'Pelli Choopulu' happened. I am now 34 and my learning has only increased. Doing films like 'Balagam' can have a lasting impact on your personality. They have the influence of reading a good book. 'Hi Nanna' was an experience and watching it while dubbing for my character was another experience altogether.
As a rationalist, I don't believe in god. That said, I don't impose my views on others' beliefs. I have worn amulets for fashionable reasons. There is a village named Bhor near Pune. There is a palatial mahal from the medieval era there. The producers made sure that 'Om Bheem Bush' is executed on a rich scale by shooting the film in authentic locations. Even the costumes were sourced from Mumbai so that the fantasy aspect is ensured. UV Creations and producer Sunil walked the extra mile.
