“Directing Chiru Sir is a dream come true,” says Bobby, who helms Waltair Veerayya. “The script shows Chiru garu in interesting and entertaining shades.”
Having travelled with Chiranjeevi for around three years and observed him closely during the shooting of the film, Bobby says the actor’s ability to understand the depths of a character is inspiring.
Although Chiru’s earlier film (Acharya) didn’t do well, Bobby shares that he was never under any pressure. The actor takes success and failure in the right spirit, the director feels. “Chiru Sir is always calm and balanced. He’s some 153 films old, so that’s experience for you. He looks at all aspects constructively and doesn’t get carried away. Perhaps that’s something I need to learn,” says the director, who describes himself as a fan of Chiru’s.
The poster and trailer give us a glimpse of Chiru’s comic timing, and the director says the actor has aced the comic aspect of the role.
“We focussed on a script that has all mass elements and appeals to fans and general audiences,” says Bobby.
The action drama also features Ravi Teja in a crucial role. And Bobby, who had directed Ravi Teja in one of his earlier films, finds directing two actors in one frame a blessing. “Both the actors are self-made, I could see the energy pumping in on the sets, what better inspiration do I need,” says Bobby, revealing that roping in Ravi Teja was his idea.
Apparently, the scenes between Chiru and Ravi Teja are magical and emotional and stand out in the film. And according to the director, what is common between Chiru and Ravi Teja is that both the actors give their 100 per cent and do justice to their roles without worrying about the result. “Both are such energetic personalities and their energy kept us motivated to stay on top of our game.”
Bobby feels it’s tricky to strike a balance between writing and directing. He says after completing the writing part, he tries to edit the scenes from a director’s point of view.
While Waltair Veerayya is set for release this Sankranti, another film, Veerasima Reddy, starring Balakrishna, is also slated for a festive release. Interestingly, both films are bankrolled by the same production house. “I think Sankranti is such a big festival that it can accommodate many films. I hope that film too does well,” says Bobby.
