There is a trace of imagination for sure. In the climax of 'Annamayya', the Lord tells Annamayya that he should live on so that he can continue to write 'kirtanas'. But that is sheer fiction. Yet, people say that it is one of the best climaxes. When you are giving medicine to a child, you add sugar to make it palatable. Similarly, when you are making a film with the intention of spreading good, you add sugar.
The conversations between Nagarjuna and Saurabh Jain (Lord Venkateshwara) are very entertaining. What can be the backdrop of their conversations? It can't be Film Nagar club. (Laughs). I cogitated for over 7 months just to finalize on the backdrop.
Why is it that you have for long been into spiritual films?
What makes India great is our culture, our rich literary treasure, our epics. Everyone can and should do something to spread it among the current generation. Young filmmakers seem to think that making devotional films is not their cup of tea. But I strongly feel that they too can do very good films with the technology that is there.
At a time when youngsters are deciding the fate of a film, isn't making 'ONV' a risky thing?
I disagree. A lot of pilgrims seen at Tirumala are youngsters. If they don't connect with spiritually with the Lord, why would they go there in large numbers? I think 'Om Namo Venkatesaya' will have a very good following among youngsters. Most of us have been to Tirumala at least once in our life time. After watching 'ONV', they will see Tirumala from a new perspective. They will want to go to Tirumala with that perspective in mind.
I have been to several temples and wherever I go, the authorities ask me to do a film on the history of that temple. How can I tell them that it doesn't make for a story? I tell them, 'I will make it if God wills'.
