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Jagapathi casts a spell

True to his image of a sedate hero, Jagapathi Babu made no attempt to pull masses to his show that was a big hit, says RAMESH SUSARLA

PHOTO: T. VIJAYA KUMAR

HITTING IT OFF Jagapathi struck an immediate chord with the masses

Women went gaga over Jagapati Babu's performance in his latest Telugu release Pelli Ayyina Kothalo, but the actor is modest in terming the fanfare as his good fortune. Film buffs thronged Bhaskar Deluxe Theatre in Guntur to catch a glimpse of the film actor and the entire production unit that was here to thank the audience for successful run of the film in most towns across Andhra Pradesh.

A colourful road show by the film unit that preceded the actual programme, went through the thoroughfares of the city, drawing huge crowds to the theatre. People jostled and wriggled to find their way to the auditorium for a closer look at their `hero' but many had to return disappointed. Sensing their displeasure, Jagapati Babu stood outside for a while and waved at his fans, obliging their request.

"Leave your TV sets and enjoy this movie on the big screen," he advised the audience. "The film is an out-and-out family entertainer and none of you need to hesitate to bring to the theatre young ones," he said amidst thunderous applause. Reacting to shouts of `we want action' from a section of the youth, he said: "I could have chosen to project myself as a mass hero by acting in a masaala movie. But I wanted a strong storyline and thus, associated with the newcomer Madan's production," he explained.

Rousing welcome

Sharing a crowded dais with the theatre owner Kothuru Ramesh, Censor Board member Pothuru Ranga Rao and former board member Jonnalagadda Ramachandra Sastry, Jagapathi was soon doused with flower petals and a huge yellow Gajamala by the fans. "I am a people's man and I will perform my roles as per the wishes of the audience," he said in response to the flurry of compliments that poured in from all directions for his role in the new film.

Six couples were invited on to the dais to air their opinion about the film and were presented bouquets by the actor. The couples included Radhakrishna-Sujata; Suresh-Bhargavi; Shiva-Vani; Venkata Subba Rao-Vani and Ravi-Bhagyalakshmi.

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