Mohan Babu has acted in over 550 films and played a variety of characters in his 39-year-long career. He’s now the lead (in 'Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummeda') after 10 years.
“Though I’ve done a few films recently, this is the first time in 10 years that I’m playing the lead,” the veteran actor points out. Adding that it was the interesting story that made him take up the project, he says, “I’ve acted in a lot of emotional films and family dramas, but this is the first time I’m playing such a character.”
About his character named Naidu, he adds, “He’s totally fun and very interesting.”
In fact, Mohan Babu is so excited about the film that he presented it to his mentor Dasari Narayana Rao. “He is happy and even suggested a minor change,” Mohan Babu says. Adding that the film has also been screened for some other people, including the general audience, he explains, “I’ve invested a lot of money in the film so I wanted to gauge reactions before its release. I’ve got positive feedback from everyone and now, I’m confident about my film.”
Although he has received offers for his film’s release, he has decided to do it himself. “We spent nearly Rs 30 crore on the film. I received an offer for Rs 20 crore but I don’t want to go for it. So, I’m taking a risk and releasing 'Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummedha'. Many of my well-wishers have advised me to take the offer, but I’m confident about my product,” he says.
He points out that this is not the first time he’s doing this.
“Even when I didn’t get good offers for my earlier film Pedarayudu, I released it on my own and it went on to become a blockbuster. I hope I have the same success with this one as well,” he says.
Speaking about his son Manoj’s performance in the film, the proud father says, “He plays a woman in the film and I’m sure that he’s going to overshadow all of us with his stunning performance.”
Mohan Babu even compares his son’s performance to the character Bruhannala played by the late NTR in Nartanasala.
“The way NTR became famous for that role, Manoj will also be remembered by movie fans for his portrayal of a woman,” the father predicts.
'Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummeda' will hit screens, across the state, this Friday.
