Those Who Threaten Me On Channels Are TV Rowdies: RGV

Swapna Ashok In Conversation with Ram Gopal Varma

We seldom see a sari-clad woman with simple innocence, an artistic depiction of a man-woman relationship or a dining table food scene in an RGV film. At least, we have not in the past many years. It was always about extremity and criminal interactions and power struggles. Well, it is okay to think that Sarkaar RGV has mellowed into a family man. But let us not conclude yet. This may not be a bloody charithra or a dimly-lit mood with henchmen and cold-blooded killing that one will expect in a regular RGV film but it is far more powerful,as this is the story of a super-human NTR who became vulnerable to life and time and a regular vulnerable woman Lakshmi Parvathi who became Lakshmi Parvathi Nandamuri- perceived as the most powerful force who caused political ripples back in the 90's. Here are some more insights:

RGV is on a roll once again. His latest political family drama trailer "Lakshmi's NTR" is also a thriller for many and has registered a whopping 1 crore views on YouTube , just a few days after the release. Quite surprisingly, RGV who gets criticised often in the social media has managed to get all the adulation and support of netizens, thanks to his deliberate attentiveness to this one. Almost perfect casting, controversy coupled with a family situation and emotions actually make this his first attempt in this genre. We all know by now that this film revolves around the most crucial turn in the Legend NTR's life that actually caused his death too. Added to the spice of this one, the obvious inevitable comparison with the NTR biopic and the trailer of part 2 which was blatantly a let-down to viewers, has also positively impacted Lakshmi's NTR, critics say. The main roles are being portrayed by Vijay- a theatre actor from AP and Actor Yagna Shetty- in the roles of NTR and Lakshmi Parvathi respectively.

On another note, RGV has also tweeted witty posts on how NTR is personally blessing the project in the filmmaker's dreams. When asked why he is the only one NTR visits in the dream " it is because I alone can stand by truth" , says RGV with a smirk. He has evidently done his home-work and has researched details of the key episodes, like the Viceroy episode which will obviously charge up the political environment, once the film releases. We I asked RGV whether the film has a villain, he replied that the circumstances collectively become instrumental in making people villains and has not at all hesitated in making direct real characters without naming them on screen in the trailer. Despite no direct naming of characters it takes no more than a blink to understand who those people are, thanks to brilliant make-overs and daring dubbing in voices that match. The entire film too may actually be as direct in its narration without any scope to be diplomatic. " I have no connection with politics- all I know is the story and the truth", maintains RGV. Lakshmi Parvathi has repeatedly praised RGV's attempt to bring out the truth that was long repressed for political reasons. While the title is Lakshmi's NTR, the characters make this also NTR's Lakshmi because of the importance given to her in the film." The fact that NTR gave Lakshmi Parvathi the status of a wife and partner along with making her his close confidante in public is enough to establish how he thought of her. Doing her wrong or rejecting her meant violating NTR's decision and judgement" - explains RGV. " It is contradictory that those same people who called him wrong now use his brand to.promote their politics", he adds.

Now whether it is Lord Venkateswara or the Late NTR blessing, one thing is obvious- the first few promotional videos of the film have certainly caught people's attention. Speaking of reactions from the TDP leaders and those who have threatened RGV of dire consequences, he simply brushes them away as TV rowdies.

With almost 8 songs already written by lyricist Sirasri and powerfully composed by Music director Kalyani Malik this film is bound to create waves for the technicians and NTR fans too. Set to release in mid-March it will be a major test for a lot of people in the season!

The author is the Executive Editor of Sakshi TV

Also Read: Who Is Lakshmi’s NTR?