Recreating history
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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`Sri Ramadasu' progresses steadily even as expectations mount.
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FOR THE FAITHFULS Nagarjuna and Sneha in the film.
Rarely do we come across perfect sync in a studio set up that matches the historic ambience. At Annapurna Studios, we found a replica of a hermitage that we earlier saw near Bhadrachalam. Kudos to art director Bhaskara Raju, creator of this authentic set for Aditya Productions' Sri Ramadasu. After the epic Annamayya, the famous quartet of K. Raghavendra Rao, Nagarjuna Akkineni, M.M. Keeravani and J.K. Bharavi are together again, backed by a resourceful producer Konda Krishnamraju and presenter M. Raghavendra Rao.
Nag with his long tresses combed back (in contrast to his hairdo in his recent box-office grosser Super) in a period costume and make-up sat under a tree, calm and composed as ever.
Flashback
The role takes him through a nostalgic trip to his school days when he read about Ramadasu in his history book and visited as part of a school excursion, the Golconda fort where Tanisha (played by Nasser) kept the poet imprisoned. "I am blessed to play these two roles — `Annamayya' and `Sri Ramadasu.' There are many interesting turns in Ramadasu's life. You get a cool feeling while portraying such great characters," feels the ace actor.
Today, it is difficult to write characters that suit A. Nageswara Rao. "Kabir is a great role. I am happy to play the part. I have a long relationship with river Godavari right from Moogamanasulu. I am particularly enchanted by the serene river and its surroundings. It is a pleasure to be back in that place to shoot for this movie, a pleasure to work with such a dedicated team. Look at the recreation of the parnasala set. It is so real. I appreciate the producer for sparing no efforts to turn it into a big hit," he says.
Sneha is seen in a traditional attire of Kamala, wife of Ramadasu. It is her first historical and naturally she is excited. "It is a rare opportunity and I cherish every moment of shooting days." As we go around, we found a few unit members furiously writing in the ruled exercise books. "They are writing `Rama Koti', Lord Rama's name written a crore times, like the devotees do. Right from the director to the cameraman to the producer to the unit members all are involved in this `Ramakoti yagna.' We wish to complete the writing along with the film and present it at the feet of Lord Rama at Bhadrachalam before the film's release. You know who first wrote this, of course Sri Ramadasu himself," informs Bharavi. He says he had done extensive research on the subject having travelled to all the places where the devotee lived, before writing the script. Keeravani, the architect of the project, took equal care in music score.
What makes Raghavendra Rao special among the moviemakers is that he looks as composed in work as in leisure. The soft-spoken director calls for the shot. The artistes assemble at the shooting arena facing the camera. A.N.R. as Kabir preaches the Taraka mantra - Sri Rama Rama Raamethi Rame... to his sishya (Nag in the guise of Sri Ramadasu).
The camera rolls on to capture one more memorable frame in the 75-year history of Telugu cinema for future film historians to record.
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