'Samantha was the first choice to play Sindhu'

 Director Chandoo Mondeti is more relieved than happy. Contrary to what many skeptics thought, 'Premam' has become a big hit. In this interview, he talks about certain characterizations and the third love story. There is more. 

You were hesitant to direct the remake. Why so and what made you direct the movie in the end?

I watched the Malayalam 'Premam' on day one itself in Hyderabad. I liked it a lot and talked about it to my friends. But I never imagined that I would remake it one day. The film got released at a time when I and Naga Chaitanya had been into certain story discussions. About 8-10 producers at that time were ready to remake 'Premam' if Chaitanya agreed to play the lead. Sitara Entertainments, too, came up with the proposal and asked me to wield the megaphone. I was initially very hesitant. 'Premam' has no story. It's about emotions and touching moments. I was not sure that I would do justice until I sat down and wrote the scenes one after one from my own perspective. I felt that it has potential to be adapted to our nativity.

Despite so much of skepticism, what made you going with confidence?

Doing a remake of a film like 'Premam' was always a risky affair. There was so much of pressure and the prospect of comparisons was intimidating. Although we had planned the casting, etc keeping in mind the market, the talk that the idea may not work was worrisome. But when Nagarjuna garu and Trivikram Srinivas garu watched the first cut and appreciated us, we worked with renewed confidence.

Romantic movies are not my forte. I always try to prefer genres that have doses of science, mythology, etc. The world of satellite communications entices me a lot. But 'Premam' happened like an accident. I am glad that it has become a bigger hit than what we had expected. There has been a terrific response to Chaitanya's look. As soon as the introduction of Vikram as a thickly bearded, arrogant college guy happened, people messaged me congratulatory messages. 

When Samantha could have been cast as Sindhu, why did you go for Madonna of all?

It's true that Samantha was one of the choices to play Sindhu. But since Shruti Haasan, a star heroine, is already playing one of the female lead, we didn't find it apt to rope in another star heroine. It was a collaborative decision to cast Madonna. We felt she looked her part well. 

By the way, the names of the three characters have an inner meaning. Suma (Anupama Parameswaran) is a flower which eventually withers away sooner than later. Sitara (Shruti) is very beautiful up above, but this star can never be reached. Sindhu (Madonna) is very close to us - on the forehead.

Considering that Sai Pallavi's part was the USP of the original, were you tensed while recreating it?

The audience are enjoying Shruti's acting. She didn't wear make-up; her skin tone is such that she comes across as wearing make-up. She was very excited to play the role as she had liked the original. I made certain changes to the character. In the Malayalam version, Sai Pallavi is soft and doesn't seem to be admonishing even when she is doing it. I observe that certain lady lecturers artificially fake domineering persona in front of students. That's what Sitara is like in the my movie. 

The third love story is not that great in terms of emotional value.. What's your say?

I enjoyed myself writing the the third love story. I don't agree that there is no emotional content to it. When Vikram asks Sindhu as to how she still remembers the love letter he had written to Suma so many years ago, she suggests that maybe she always had a crush on him. When Sindhu confesses love to him, Vikram says he needs time to think. That's because he has failed twice and so, he has reached that state of mind. 

What are your upcoming projects?

My third movie is going to be with iDream. The hero hasn't been finalized as yet. I will do films with Dil Raju garu and Sitara Entertainments as they have shown interest to work with me. I am glad about that. I have prepared two subjects for Nagarjuna garu, one of which is a cop story.