A Mahesh Babu film always elicits high expectations and his upcoming film, Bharat Ane Nenu is no different. In a candid conversation, the superstar reveals his hopes for the film and how much his audience matters.
What prompted you to play a social crusader in your upcoming film Bharat Ane Nenu?
It has become very important for each one us to have a national conscience, social sensitivity and a certain amount of strength to speak. And cinema is a great medium to do that. I am not trying to force social responsibility on the audience but definitely trying to give a perspective. Bharat Ane Nenu is a film that will make you think in a certain way, a good way.
But should actors raise issues with their films? Do you believe you can use your star power to change social prejudices and eradicate corruption?
Why not! I think it is all about the content. Entertainment or infotainment, if you give the audience the content the way you want them to watch it, it’s going to help bring about awareness or change. I don't believe that I can change everything or eradicate anything with a film or two, but I want to give a perspective. That is what we have tried to do with Bharat Ane Nenu.
Would you consider joining politics for socio-political reform?
No. Politics is not an option for me. I just want to tell good stories. Entertain the audience as well as give a social message as and when I can.
After so many years of acting, what would you like your audience to take away from your cinema?
I want my audience to go back home with a sense of contentment. The money they have invested to come and see me must not go waste. That’s the only thing that runs through my mind every time I choose a film.
How do you look at the variety of films from Baahubali to Arjun Reddy being made in Telugu cinema today?
It’s great that such varied, diverse and relevant subjects are evolving at such a magnitude in Telugu cinema. Baahubali and Arjun Reddy are two contrasting films that I personally loved a lot. Stories are changing, the narration is changing and the audience is liking it. It’s a win-win situation. I think it’s great.
What are your future plans? When do we see you turn director?
Well, my next film is likely start in June, and is produced by Ashwini Dutt and Dil Raju. As for direction, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. I’m enjoying acting immensely right now. Getting into direction might happen much later.
