Vijay Devarakonda created waves in Telugu cinema with his exceptionally unconventional hero-giri in Arjun Reddy last year. Now, he is all set recreate a different kind of heroism in his new film Taxiwaala whose trailer is just out
The trailer of Taxiwaala gives nothing away?
It’s deliberate. I hate teasers trailers that give away the story.
Is this going to be a thrill-a-minute experience for the audience?
I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed every bit when I first heard the narration. So, I want the same organic experience for my audience. We wanted to set the mood of the film with the teaser and with hindsight you will connect the dots.
Is your character in Taxiwaala very different from Arjun Reddy?
It’s far removed. The character I play in Taxiwaala is an uneducated, innocent chap wanting to make a living. Realising that cab drivers are making a quick buck he decides to become one himself. That changes his life.
You also have the bio-pic Mahanati ready for release?
Mahanati is me just playing my part in something larger. It’s the team that launched me first who were trying to tell the story for this huge star from another generation (South Indian legend Savithri).
Doing such diverse roles, is that your way of beguiling the audience?
It is self-titillation I think, doing things that excite and challenge me.
Your next film?
Work on Nota is going on. Nota is a political drama, a very gritty script that came to me post the success of Arjun Reddy. It came to me with an option of making it in Telugu, even though the original was in Tamil. I felt it was original and at home in Tamil, so I decided to push my personal boundaries. We are now making it a bilingual.
Do you see a resurgence in Telugu cinema?
It is definitely happening. When new players come, they bring new energy and new directors. It always pushes existing patterns in new directions.
What did you think of Ram Charan’s blockbuster Rangasthalam?
I really enjoyed the film. I love the director for what he did with it. You can see his effort and ability all over the film. All the lead actors, too, really made it something else.
How about a sequel to Arjun Reddy?
I think we will have a go at it. Director Sandeep Vanga and I have previously discussed ideas in passing. Maybe, we could carry the story forward to show how Arjun turns out when he becomes a 40-year-old. That’s the story we should explore.
