High-tension family drama
M.L. Narasimham
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Rajasekhar packs a punch in `Raja Babu'.
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We changed the script to make culture specific. A couple of action episodes pump up the tempo. Muppalaneni Siva
HOUSEHOLD MATTERS (Top) Rajasekhar, Sri Devika and Sarada. (Bottom) The hero with Vijay Kumar
Kumaradevam, a tiny village on the banks of Godavari, near Kovvuru, about 18 kilometres from Rajahmundry, is a favourite shooting spot for filmmakers as the village still retains charm amidst the buzz and din of modernity.
The main street in the village is the scene of fierce fight between a one-man army (the hero Rajasekhar), and villains, led by Madhu Dil Ramesh and a few stuntmen in the guise of rowdies.
Director Muppalaneni Siva is filming the action sequence for United Movies Raja Babu, produced by Paruchuri Sivarama Prasad. The unit has moved from Araku Valley after shooting a song (dance director: Shankar) on the hero and heroine Sri Devika to Rajahmundry.
"The fight sequence is Rajasekhar's introduction scene. Earlier we filmed an action scene on the hero and Riaz Khan as well as the title song in Penugonda, Pushkar Ghat in Rajahmundry and other places with the major artistes. D.K.S. Babu choreographed the song. Konaseema is fascinating with its greenery and the eternal river Godavari. Apart from these places we shot some portions at Athreyapuram, Lollalakula and Ravulapalem," says the director.
After the commercial hit, Sankranthi, Siva is coming up with one more remake, this time of the super hit Malayalam movie, Ballettan. A family drama, Mohan Lal made a brilliant comeback with the film after a series of action film flops. Rajasekhar is playing Mohan Lal's role in the Telugu version.
"This is my first film with him. We are in sync and you can expect good results from such a fine emotive actor," continues the director. "Sarada as his mother and Vijayakumar as father are contributing a lot. After Sankranthi this is my second film with Sarada. She is a very dedicated actor and can get into the character in a jiffy."
As the fight sequence progresses, Rajasekhar `punches' an opponent with such force, that the trained stuntman rolls and falls to the ground. About action man Rajasekhar in a family drama, Siva says; "He has excelled in family dramas earlier. We changed the script to make culture specific. A couple of action episodes pump up the tempo. The peppy numbers composed by S.A. Rajkumar are an added attraction."
Talking about the heroine Sri Devika, who has come from Malayalam cinema to test waters in Telugu, Siva says, "Her character has two sides to it. She plays a glamour girl in the first half and a housewife in the second." Rajasekhar is an old hat at performing fight scenes.
His timing is perfect as the rehearsals before each shot and later the take proves. Producer Prasad is happy with the way the shoot is progressing. "It is a tailor made role for Rajasekhar," he says.
"An employee in a rural bank, he helps those who seek his help. How his goodness leads him into piquant situations is narrated in a racy manner."
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