While Puri Jagannadh considers himself lucky to be directing Chiranjeevi’s 150th film, he adds that there’s no pressure.
When asked how it felt to be chosen by the megastar to direct his comeback film, Puri says, “Few years ago, during the premier function of Buddha Hoga Tera Baap, Mr Bachchan had requested and convinced Chiranjeevi to get back into films and had recommended my name to direct his landmark 150th film. Later, this conversation was forgotten as Chiranjeevi was busy with his political commitments and I too was busy with my projects. One day, Chiranjeevi called and asked me to come to his office. When I went there, I saw a paper with a list of directors on it and my name was highlighted. Chiranjeevi said that out of all the directors, he considered me most competent and able to handle his 150th film. I immediately hugged him.”
A self-confessed Chiranjeevi fan, Puri would watch all of his films and would even decorate theatres whenever his films released. “He has a soft corner for me and that’s the reason he selected me to direct his son Ram Charan’s debut movie,” adds Puri. “I am very happy to get this opportunity.”
This will perhaps be the most important film in both their careers. Knowing that, is Puri under any extra pressure? “He knows that I don’t feel the pressure and that’s one of the main reasons he selected me to direct this landmark film,” says Puri.
