In the stream of Mass Masala Entertainers hitting the audience left right center, Budugu came up as a relief for the Telugu audience using Cinema as most powerful medium to influence the society and driving it in the right direction. Though at a slow pace, Budugu is limping towards more and more reach every day. Here APHerald.com speaks with the man behind Budugu.
Director Manmohan in an Exclusive Interview:
APH: Congrats on the success of Budugu. Please tell us your background.
Manmohan: I come from a business background. I am voracious writer and a movie buff right from the childhood. I tried to become an Assistant director initially but on the advice of my friends, bought a dubbing film rights and made Rakshana in 2005 which worked out well commercially. Similar offers followed but I resisted setting my goal on a direct film. Next I worked for Animated film, Hanuman which has Chiranjeevi's voice. Later I burnt my hand with Police Police mainly due to poor release planning. I even started a project in Bollywood but it got stalled midway. Then Budugu happened after one of my friends immensely liked the subject and introduced me to the producers.
APH: How is the response for Budugu?
Manmohan: I am not afraid of negative criticism. I showed the film to many since the double positive stage. Every one appreciated the film and noble intent behind it. Many said that it is not a product of B, C Centers. But I see mass audience enjoying it more now.
APH: You have struggled very much before Budugu. Why did you choose an off beat subject again?
Manmohan: Frankly I do not fear failures. I take every film one after the one. I did not think of next film while making Budugu. Everyone in the team believed in the script and gave their 100% to it. We considered Singer Sunita, Amani, Nitya Menen, Poorna, Laya many before finalizing Lakshmi Manchu for the role.
APH: Who is your favourite director?
Manmohan: Chandrasekhar Yeleti. There are many in fact, Sukumar, Trivikram, Krish, Puri Jagannadh many..
APH: Your favourite actor?
Manmohan: Personally I like Pawan Kalyan very much. But I want to work with many heroes like Kalyan Ram, Bunny..
APH: There are allegations of non-cooperation, indiscipline..
Manmohan: Everybody cooperated with me to complete the film according to the plan. There are some issues definitely. There will be issues even in a family. Life is such. But I do not have any regrets.
APH: How do you see the future of small cinema in Tollywood?
Manmohan: The future is always there for a good cinema. Fix your targeted audience, plan every thing around them. Having clarity on the target is the secret of success to any film.
APH: How far did you think you made justice to the film budget?
Manmohan: I completed it in 28 days.. 3 days more than the plan and 10-12 Lakhs more than planned budget. My Producers are happy with it and I am satisfied with my work.
APH: Your future projects:
Manmohan: I have many bound scripts ready. Will start on next after completing Budugu Promotions.
On that note, we signed off the interview thanking Manmohan. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
