Action flick spiced with comedy
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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Kodi Ramakrishna's new film aims to reach out to youngsters.
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THREE TO TANGO? Rajendra Babu with Rathna and Nandini.
Holi revelry is on at Dola-Re-Dhani, the popular dhaba on the outskirts of Hyderabad. About 50 male and female dancers dressed in colourful costumes twirl and turn to the tune (composed by music director Rajkiran) as choreographer Swarna guides them through the steps. Hero Rajendra Babu, debut heroines Rathna Battal and Jalak Nandini observe their steps from a close distance and rehearse. Veteran Kodi Ramakrishna is having a word with his cameraman brother Kodi Lakshman. The song is being canned for Aditya Enterprises' film Dongodi Pelli, which has all the ingredients that make a box office entertainer.
Once the actors finish their rehearsal, Swarna asks the dancers to assemble at their respective positions for the shot. The lead actors match their steps with that of the dancers. The camera whirrs to capture the dance amidst the sprinkling of colours.
Sporting his trademark headband, Kodi Ramakrishna shares some information on the film. "This festive song is the introduction song of our hero. He is an ordinary guy; a small time thief. But people adore him. Why he commits those petty thefts is suspense for now. He has a good friend (Prithvi). When everything in his life is sailing smoothly, all of a sudden he had to face some troublesome characters. That leads to many challenges."
Complex role
Kodi continues, "The hero is a roughian but has a kind heart. The character suited Rajendra Babu. Even while I was writing the script, I had him in mind. The producers were in search of a subject that can suit their actor-friend. By providence they came to me and we worked out this story. The film has the potential to be a turning point in his career."
Rajkiran has worked out a clever mix of melody and racy beats. The director seems to be pleased with his music director. "Recently I had an opportunity to interact with college students. I observed that they may be modern in outlook, but when it comes to music they enjoy melody more than the fast beats. My music director-lyricist duo Rajkiran and Sai Sriharsha kept this in mind and came with a melody-based album that has five songs. All the songs are situational. We shot three duets on the lead actors in Bangkok."
Rajendra Babu is working hard on his dance steps as he wants to prove himself a good dancer apart from being an action hero. The two heroines too join him in the dance. "Both the heroines turn out to be problematic to the hero and help create an interesting twist," says the director. "Rathna was popular as a model for Lakme and Jalaka Nandini is a popular heroine in Gujarathi films."
To beat the heat chilled buttermilk is served to the unit members during the brief recess. Producers Pratap Singh and Rayapu Reddy Suribabu (Raja) had this to say: "An interesting twist in the story appealed to us. The film belongs to the comedy-action genre. We shot the climax using three cameras. We are from the real estate business but we hope to make it big in films."
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