RGG2 has different elements: Nag

Nagarjuna has readied 'Raju Gari Gadhi 2', a horror comedy directed by Ohmkar. The film is releasing this October 13. He met the media and spoke at length about this film, his next plans. He also revealed some info about his son Naga Chaitanya's wedding ceremony. Excerpts from the interview...

You have removed moustache now. Is this look for new film?
(laughs) No, not for the movie. Just for fun, I did this. Since I will not be doing any movie in the next three months, I have this freedom to try different looks. I will not work this year till the release of my son Akhil's movie 'Hello'. I will commence my next movie in 2018.

Tell us about 'Raju Gari Gadhi 2'. You are being part of a horror-comedy for the first time in your career.
I loved the concept. This is neither horror movie, not regular horror comedy. It has different elements and everything in this is logical. It is not a sequel to 'Raju Gari Gadhi' though title says so. Inspiration for the story came from a Malayalam entertainer. I have played the role of a mentalist. This novel role has made me to accept the movie.

Why did the film get delayed?
I made it clear to the director and producer at the very beginning of the movie that I won't allow the movie's release until I am satisfied with the final output. The rough cut had not effective visual effects, so I made them to reshoot and go for high end visual effects. A team in Mumbai has done that now. I am now hundred percent confident of this movie. I did the same for 'Manam', 'Oopiri' and 'Soggade Chinni Nayana'. We should not repent after the release. Whatever the mistakes are there should be corrected before announcing the release date.

What is the role of Samantha, your kodalu?
Samantha is playing an interesting character of a spirit. The highlight of the movie is my conversation with her in the end.  

Is it true that you are acting with Nani in a multi-starrer movie?
If everything goes well, I may do a film with Nani. Sriram Aditya has come up with this idea. I liked the role which is terrific but everything has to fall in place.

What is the advice you have given to your son Naga Chaitanya who is marrying his co-star Samantha on October 6th?
I still remember the slokas I and Amala were made to say during our wedding. I have advised my son and Samantha to understand the meaning of what they are going to recite during the occasion. They are marrying in Hindu tradition as well as Christian style. I told them to understand the meaning of the vows they exchange during the ceremony to have a beautiful marital life. 

Who are going to attend the wedding?
It is close-knit family ceremony. Only our friends, relatives and well-wishers are invited. My guess is that the guest list will not exceed 100 members. I will arrange huge wedding reception for all the friends in Hyderabad later.

How is Akhil's film is shaping up?
We have titled it as 'Hello!' and we have already informed the theatres that the movie will release on Dec 22nd at any cost. Kalyani, director Priyadarshan's daughter, is debuting as the heroine. This will be true launch for Akhil. 

There is news that you would team up with Chandoo Mondeti?
Chandoo Mondeti, director of 'Karthikeya' and 'Premam', is my fan but I told him not to prepare a script like a fan but a professional director. He has a cop's story ready for me. We will plan it later as he currently busy with Naga Chaitanya's  'Savyasachi'.

- Interview by Venugopal L