Anil Ravipudi is a happy man. 'F2' is on its way to becoming a super-hit. A day after the multi-starrer's release, the director says in this interview that the audiences are loving his product like anything. Catch him talk about several aspects of the movie, his inspirations, his upcoming movie and more.

My thorough inspirations

The audience across the spectrum used to enjoy the films of Jandhyala garu, EVV garu and SV Krishna Reddy garu. 'F2' is giving a similar experience. It was my aim to give the audience that experience. I can't be compared to those great directors. But I have been thoroughly influenced by their style. These directors used to make apt movies for every season.

Believe in a bound script

I go to the sets only after locking the script. I keep every scene ready. That's why I could deliver four hits in a row. My next film will go on the floors six months from now, only after I am done with the entire script work. I trust three guys in my team to judge my script. I go by their verdict. I spend 5-6 months on script development. 'F2' took 4.5 months.

Mannerism for Venky

I wanted to keep some mannerism for Venkatesh. That's how 'Venky Asana' was conceived. The audiences are lapping it up. As for the dog scene in the movie, it emerged from the thought that running away from dogs is routine. What if my hero tells his marital woes to a dog and makes it cry? That's how I conceived the scene. Incidentally, it was 30 years yesterday for Venkatesh garu's 'Prema'.

Sequel to 'F2'?

Venkatesh garu and Varun are ready to act if a sequel is made. Nothing is finalized as of now. First, I should write a script.

The quirky characters

The run-time of Srinivas Reddy's character had to be chopped off due to issues with the run-time. The sequel, if and when made, will have more of him. Prakash Raj garu did the comedy scenes like a sport. The 'Bendakaya' comedy was Venky garu's idea. He wanted some zing in certain scenes, so we included such ideas. He would dub only if his energy levels are high. Mirchi Kiran was supposed to be there in just one scene. But I liked his comic timing a lot. So, his role was extended.

I like Suryakantham garu's comic timing. Pragathi garu's role in the movie is inspired by her. Annapurnamma garu and Vijaya garu's roles are inspired by two women I have seen in my life. They never do any work during special events; they just sit and pull people's legs. Rajendra Prasad garu's role was inspired by this thought: what if someone who gives lectures to everyone is a hypocrite? The audiences are loving his scenes with Hari Teja.

I wanted zero action

'Raja The Great' was a commercial, action movie. So also my previous films. 'F2' is devoid of action. It's like a 'Kshemanga Velli Labhanga Randi'. It's a full-on entertainer like them with no action scenes. I am happy to have scored a hat-trick with Dil Raju garu. He is very happy that I completed the three films without making him worry about anything.

DSP's involvement was total

'Recchipodam Brother' is my favourite song from the movie. DSP garu did away with RR for many comedy scenes as per his volition. He put so much thought into the scenes. He did my work too. He loved the film that much. He was the first one to say that 'F2' will become a big hit.

Everyone let the story rise above them

The second half is about taking the story forward. It can't be just comedy when we are presenting the women's perspective. No actor complained about the length of a role. Varun Tej, for example, didn't ask why he doesn't have dialogues in this or that scene.

Crazy about 'Gundamma Katha'

I want to do a multi-starer of the tone of 'Gundamma Katha'. I am mad about the movie. I infected my madness for the movie to Prakash Raj garu's character.

No decision about next movie

I have no plans regarding my next movie. I should be very careful now. I can't repeat ideas. I had narrated an idea to Balakrishna garu. The project can't be there now since he is going to work with Boyapati Srinu garu. I won't do a full-fledged comedy next. Fun will be there. But it will be of another variety.