Hyderabad
September 2, 2010

Ram Gopal Varma inspired a generation of directors. Praveen Sri is one of those guys who changed career goals to become film director after watching Shiva movie. His debut film Gaayam 2 (a sequel to RGV’s Gaayam movie) is being presented by RGV himself. Praveen Sri talks about his 3 September release – Gaayam 2

Background:
I am a Hyderabadi. I completed by graduation from AV College of Arts, Commerce & Science from Domalguda. I had been fascinated with movies since the release of Shiva during my intermediate time. My goal has always been to work with Ram Gopal Varma. E Nivas (Shool fame) is my friend and he suggested that I should learn about editing first. I joined editor Shankar as an assistant and worked with him for movies like Tamil Antahpuram and Chitram. Later on, I worked in the direction department of Allari Ravi for the movies Allari, Ammailu Abbailu and Soggadu.

After that I decided to try for direction independently. In the process, I made a short film called ‘Souls’ with high technical standards. It was also featured by idlebrain.com a few years back and it has got terrific response and recognition. I have shown that short film to Ram Gopal Varma and he loved it. He asked me to prepare a script for him to produce under my direction. I prepared an impressive script and somehow it didn’t take off. I also a prepared a script for sequel of Gaayam movie and narrated it to Jagapati Babu. Jagapati Babu referred me back to RGV. RGV listened to the script and is impressed. That is how Gaayam 2 movie got okayed.

What is the theme of Gaayam 2?
Gaayam film is about what compelled Durga to get into mafia. Gaayam 2 is about the reflections when Durga decides to stay away from mafia world.

Gaayam 2 is a perfect sequel to Gaayam after a gap of 17 years. We continued same characters and actors like Jagapati Babu, Tanikella Bharani and Kota Srinivasa Rao.

Tell us about the music by Ilayaraja?
I narrated the story to Ialayaraja at 6 am and he delivered three tunes in a day. There are melodies and situational songs in the movie. Rerecording is going to be the highlight and Ilayaraja proves that silence can also be a major instrument in the background score of a movie.

Tell us about producer Dharma Kartha?
He is one of the best producers in the film industry. He trusted us so much that he hasn’t seen a single frame of it till now. He wants to watch it along with the public in a public theatre on the release day. The business is done for all areas and the producer is very happy with the business.

What is the reason for the delay in the production?
This movie was started with a bound script. The production was stalled in between to make the movie precise. That gap has also helped me in getting music and editing done simultaneously. In spite of production delay, the total number of working days for the movie is 54 days (I promised the producer to complete movie in 55 working days). We exposed a reasonable amount of 80000 feet of negative. The final run time came to around 2 hours and 15 minutes (first half is of 1:17 hours and the second half is of 0:58 hours).

Who are your favourite directors?
Ram Gopal Varma and Francis Ford Coppola. My favourite movies are Shiva, Kshana kshanam, Gayam, Rathri, Company, Sarkar and Godfather series.

What is your gut feel on the final product – Gaayam 2?
Ram Gopal Varma and Ilayaraja loved it. It’s a huge compliment. I am sure that Telugu movie lovers will also like it.

What is your next project?
I am going to a film of political crime genre for a big hero in a big banner. The details will be announced in the next week. This movie is going to be based on a true incident. I love films based on true stories.

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