Poignant tale of a migrant
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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A.V.S is at work, but don't expect a laugh riot.
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TARGETING YOUTH Navneet Kaur chats up her pals
The refurbished middle class housing colony set at the Sarathi Studios looks impressive thanks to the modifications carried out by art director Murali and his assistants for Visu Films' Roommates, directed by ace comedy actor A.V.S.
Initially, A.V.S had warned us that though the film is directed by a comedian, it isn't a comedy film. "There are comedians no doubt, but comedy is a part of the film. In a nutshell, the story has all the ingredients necessary to run a commercial film."
Produced by Y. Sonia Reddy, the title has a curios tag line - power of five fingers. The arc lights, the reflectors and the semi-circular railings to run the trolley parked outside a `middle class house' among a row of such houses in the `colony' were the giveaways of the actual location where the shoot is in progress.
Inside the house, we spotted Naresh, Baladitya, Suman Shetty and Srinivasa Reddy facing a confident looking Navneet Kaur. The director shouts `action' and cinematographer V. Srinivasa Reddy gets to work capturing the scene where the heroine invites the youngsters for an event she will be conducting. After the shot is finalised, we caught up with the director in the short break time.
"The four boys migrate from a village to Hyderabad for survival. The innocent lads, new to the wicked ways of the big city, face some hurdles. Pallavi, an independent thinking girl (played by Navneet Kaur), inspires them and guides them to become achievers. An orphan who lacks support, relying only on her self-confidence, she becomes a popular event manager. In this scene, she invites them for a rain dance event she is conducting. We shot the song sequence (composed by Manisarma) earlier," says A.V.S, giving an insight into the theme.
Interestingly, A.V.S. himself had choreographed a couple of songs. "There are only three songs in the film. Apart from that, we have a five minute instrumental music piece," says the director about his third directorial venture.
During the shoot, we notice that A.V.S does not wear his trademark hat that hides his baldpate. He informs us, "Since I want to concentrate on direction, I make just a one scene appearance. Jeeva plays the house owner and Raghubabu, the rival event manager. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam makes a guest appearance. We needed a senior actor to play a C.B.I officer. And Naresh (senior) is the apt choice."
He continues with a mischievous smile, "I will not disclose his name at this stage but a popular action hero known for his punchy dialogue delivery makes a special appearance."
We wonder whether he is making a suspense thriller... "I believe the film will guarantee thrilling entertainment but I am not making a suspense thriller," he throws in his characteristic laugh. Talking about his supportive presenter C.C. Reddy he says, "He is a well-read person. He gives you suggestions but will not force them on you." It's time to get back to the shoot and the director moves on to take up the task.
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