Sudheer Varma awaits the release of 'Ranarangam' on August 15.  In this interview, he talks about which films inspired him to do this, working with Sharwanand and others, the kind of subjects that intrigue him and more.  

Inspirations from Hollywood

The screenplay format is inspired by 'Godfather-2', which is a landmark film for anyone who makes a gangster flick.  We haven't adapted any scenes from that movie, though.  The screenplay style alone has been borrowed.  We have replicated a train episode from a Hollywood movie named 'Assassination of Jesse James'.  It's a straight inspiration.   

Reimagining Sharwa

This story was meant first for Ravi Teja.  I accidentally happened to narrate the story to Sharwa on one occasion.  I did a look test and felt that Sharwa suits fully.  I like Sharwanand the most in 'Prasthanam'.  So, I always wanted to cast him in an intense role.  Although he has succeeded when it comes to family entertainers, I never imagined him such a film.

Backdrop & premise

The backdrop of 'Ranarangam' is unique.  There was Prohibition in place for two years in the mid-1990s when NTR garu came to power. The story is narrated in parallel (back and forth), as the story takes place over two time periods.  We took care to project in the trailer only what is there in the film.  The entire story revolves around Sharwa's character.  Kajal Aggarwal's character is not a full-fledged one.  

No message

I did refer to the films of the 1990s in drafting the actors' looks.  I spoke to some people to learn about how the illicit liquor business was conducted in the 1990s.  There is no political aspect in the film.  'Ranarangam' carries no message.  This is the most challenging film of my career.  Each frame of the 1990s was made in a controlled environment. 

Other aspects

Kalyani suits best for the role.  She is cute.  Kajal's character needed a star actress and we roped her in.  As far as the colour palette in the movie is concerned, all credit goes to cinematographer Divakar Mani.  

A franchise

If this film becomes a hit, I might turn it into a franchise.  Sharwa has discussed an idea with him and that struck me.  I didn't do 'Swamy Ra Ra-2' because I didn't want to spoil by failing to reach the audience's expectations.  

Writing crime stories

I can't write a story without a murder.  That's why you see the element commonly in my stories.  Crime fascinates me.  Shooting Sharwa and Kaja's track for 'Ranarangam' has boosted up my confidence to do romantic tracks.  But that doesn't mean I will do a love story.

Learning from past

'Kesava' was made on a lesser budget than 'Dochey'.  I never let the budget exceed the planned figure, which always depends on who is the male lead.  'Dochey' was made with a regular format and it backfired.  The one mistake I made with 'Kesava' is that we highlighted the heart disorder in the pre-release phase, which we shouldn't have done.