This doc needs a shot in the arm

Saturday, July 24, 2004

There is something called never-say-die spirit.

Nobody epitomizes that more than Dr.Rajasekhar. Most of his recent films have been remakes. And most of them have failed at the box-office (including his last one Villain). So one would think that the good doctor would have changed his prescription for success.

But not.

Rajasekhar is strictly going by the script. In more ways than one.

He is faithfully recreating the Hindi hit Ghatak for his forthcoming venture Aapthudu, starring him and Anjala Jhaveri in the lead.

Rajasekhar may have had several hits under his belt (Aahuti, Ankusam, Magaadu and Aagraham). But he has been never more desperate and compelled for success than now.

So he is putting his shoulder earnestly to the wheel and getting on with his business.

A tete-a-tete with actor:

How important is Aapthudu for you?

Every film is important for any actor. It doesn't matter whether he is coming out of a flop or a hit. It may be an old cliche that an actor is only as good as his last film. But that is a truism, too. So one has to be careful and sincere.

You normally make films from Tamil. Now you have looked up to Bollywood. Why?

I don't do films like that. Frankly, as it my surprise you, I prefer doing my own films with my own story. But somehow I have not been able to zero in on a good story. So it is only because of that I have be doing the remakes of some Tamil movies. As it happened, they didn't click. I have chosen Aapthudu only because it has a very good story and my character is well etched. There is also plenty of action (in the original Sunny Deol played the brawny hero).

Tell us something about the film?

The movie is centered on a small residential locality. I play the son of a freedom fighter who has been brought up with utmost discipline. He is well moored in human values. But he has to contend with a menace-dripping villain. The villain does not allow the locals to live in peace. And that is when the hero steps in.

Why an action film at this stage?

I said there is action. But this is not action film in the true sense of the word. It has ingredients for all sections of the audience. There is good music. There is sentiment. There is fun. There is pathos. There is everything. It has all the necessary ingredients for a good film.

Tell us about the cast

Anjela Jhaveri is the heroine. She has played her part very well. Mukesh Rishi is the villain. He is simply too good in the movie. He is a family man with six brothers. But all of them combine together to create havoc.
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Tell us about the director Mutyala Subbaiah

Subbaiah and I have worked together in seven films. It has been a fruitful association with him. He knows the pulse of the masses. He has combined action and sentiment adroitly.

What are your hopes on the film?

As in every film of mine, I have put my best foot forward. I have really sweated it out. For action scenes, I have stretched myself. It has been a hard work. Hope it pays off.

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