On a hat-trick trail
M.L. NARASIMHAN
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Making an out-and-out commercial entertainer with Chiranjeevi as the hero, director Vijaya Bhaskar aims for a sixth consecutive hit.
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DARINGLY DIFFERENT Chiranjeevi and Sameera Reddy in `Jai Chiranjeeva'.
It is amazing to see a hero who is still an object of envy not only to his contemporaries but also to a much younger generation of actors too, particularly when it comes to dancing with heroines. Mega star Chiranjeevi is a choreographer's delight (here it is Lawrence), as he sways, swirls and swings exactly the way a young and sprightly dancer would do. All this action is happening on the sets of Vyjayanthi Movies' Jai Chiranjeeva at the Ramoji Film City, where the hero is tapping his feet with Sameera Reddy and a host of other dancers. Directed by Vijaya Bhaskar and produced by Aswini Dutt, the movie is nearing completion.
Dedicated that he is, Chiranjeevi leaves no stone unturned and takes minute details into account while performing his character, at the same time leaving enough room for his co-stars to share the honours. This is evident just before the rehearsal for the take as he observes his co-star and the background dancers to check whether the movements are in perfect sync or not. While composing the steps for his hero, Lawrence gives us a feeling that he knows he has an ace up his sleeve, perhaps another Nandi to decorate his drawing room.
Bearded cinematographer Venu is looking through a camera placed on a mini-crane to capture the scene. The set looks like it is straight out of a dream factory. "It is a sensible commercial film, sans fantasy," chips in the director. He politely refuses to part with the lead scene to the song. "All I can say is that it is a situational song. You know I don't talk about the contents of my films during their making. Don't go by the title and think this is a fantasy film. It is a purely commercial entertainer and you will know why we gave this title once you see the film, and agree that it is an apt one. Basically, Chiranjeevi is good at such wholesome entertainers. This film is in tune with his image. The heroines - Bhumika and Sameera Reddy's roles are defined in a clear-cut way. They both contribute equally to the film," says the soft-spoken director.
Vijaya Bhaskar is on a second hat trick trial as he has churned out five hits in a row. This is his seventh directorial venture. That reminds us of one more hat-trick trial. Aswini Dutt had made three big hits (Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Choodalani Vundi and Indra) with Chiranjeevi and this is his third venture with the star.
"It is an advantage to work with such versatile and experienced actor," the director says viewing the scene being shot on a portable television screen. He knows beforehand what is expected of him and how to go about doing that. He has an amazing knowledge of films and filmmaking. Just add experience to it and it becomes easy for any director to work with such an actor." Looking at Chiranjeevi one can only feel that in many ways the screen character is very much like the man we got to see in most of his recent films - concerned about the society around, extending his larger-than-life on screen image to real life and motivating people to donate their organs and blood in a big way, appreciating young achievers from his own field, a compliment they regard more than any award.
Are all these factors of an eternal do-gooder to be seen in Jai Chiranjeeva? Vijaya Bhaskar does not budge from his stance. He laughs and says, "The film has a new text (story and dialogue by his constant writer Trivikram Srinivas) and a new texture. Again I repeat, it is an enjoyable and sensible commercial film." He adds that Manisharma's music is an asset and they will be shooting the remaining song in Mauritius, the final mixing being done simultaneously. The December 14 release has in its cast Arbaz Khan, Brahmanandam, M.S. Narayana, Dharamavarapu Subrahmanyam and Sunil. C. Dharmaraju presents the film and Priyanka Dutt co-produces.
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