Romancing Ram Charan Teja

Just five films old, Mumbai-based actress Kajal Agarwal took the Telugu film industry by storm by signing the most awaited project of 2009 -- Magadheera.

She started her stint in Telugu with Teja's Lakshmi Kalyanam. Though she had signed Bharathiraja's bi-lingual, Bommalattam first, it was the Telugu film which released first. Then came Krishna Vamshi's Chandamama.

R G Vijayasarathy caught up with Kajal, who was shooting for her forthcoming Telugu film Arya II, produced by Audithya Babu, where she is paired with Allu Arjun, cousin of Ram Charan Teja, for more on Magadheera.  

The hype around Magadheera is high...

Magadheera is not just a film -- it is something beyond that for me. It is like being trained in a big institution. I am now recounting the happy and thrilling experiences I encountered during the making of the film. The film was shot at different locations in different countries like Switzerland. We even shot it in the most inaccessible places in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It was like an 'around the world" tour for me.

Director S S Rajamouli sir was the leader of the team who inspired us to give our best. The whole unit was like an inspired team. I think Magadheera will set new standards and newer benchmarks as far as technical finesse is concerned.

Will technical excellence score over story content?

I did not mean that. Magadheera has a fabulous love story narrated with rich production values. The film has strong emotional content too which is certain to go well with the audience. Just because the film is huge, don't think it has no place for emotions. It is essentially a story revolving around two lovers who are reborn to prove that love is eternal and cuts across all barriers and period.

Rajamouli's scripts have always provided space for commercial elements with a strong story to back up, and you will see that in Magadheera also.

What was your experience working with director Rajamouli and producer Allu Arvind?

I had never seen such high degree of professionalism in planning and execution of every shot. The preparation was perfect and there was no confusion at any point of time. Allu Arvind sir and his son were there all the time providing support.

Rajamouli sir wanted to make an entertaining film with a strong message. We have conveyed this message quite effectively in the film.

You and Ram Charan have two roles in the film...

Yes. Both roles are unique and challenging. Magadheera has a story that spans four hundred years. I play a princess as well as a college girl. So, I had to wear costumes that are relevant to both the periods -- that of an ancient era and the modern times. Thankfully, Rama Rajamouli took care to get the best costumes stitched for me.

How was it working with Ram Charan who has a huge fan following?

It was very nice. He is very co-operative and highly professional. He is hugely talented and works hard on the sets. I found him to be a helpful co-star. 

You have been working in Telugu and Tamil films. How do you choose a film?

For me, the story and the scope of my role are important than the language. I have worked in two Tamil films and five Telugu films so far. I have acted in Pourudu with Sumanth and Aatadistha with Nithin.  

My second Tamil film, Saroja was also dubbed in Telugu. Another important Tamil film Modhi Vilaiyaadu has just released last week. Right now, I am working in three Telugu projects including a film with hero Ram and the other is produced by producer Ashwini Dutt's daughters. I have been lucky enough to have worked with some great directors and great projects so far.