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'Golimaar is a typical Puri Jagannath film'
National Award-winning actor Priyamani has been steadily doing Telugu films in the last few years besides Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam movies.
She has two plum projects -- Raavan and Rakta Charitra and her latest Telugu film Golimaar releasing on May 27 is directed by Puri Jagannath and also stars Gopichand.
She tells Radhika Rajamani what to expect from the film and more. Excerpts:
Golimaar is the story of a cop and is supposedly based on Daya Nayak, the encounter specialist. Do you have a substantial part to play in such a male-centric film? What made you sign it?
First of all, the film is directed by Puri sir. It's being produced by Bellamkonda Suresh and it's my second film with him after Shambho Siva Shambho. Gopichand is acting in it. So it was a great team to work with.
Yes, the story is inspired by Daya Nayak's life. I have a substantial role with a comic touch to it.
'I found a friend in Puri Jagannath'
So is there a side comedy track or love track in the film?
There's a love track. The character I play is an event organiser and she hates men and marriage. But things change when she comes in contact with the hero.
Did you enjoy doing this role?
Yes, I enjoyed the role. It was super fun. The team was fantastic to work with. Puri sir was there to help me and gave me the freedom to improvise.
Did you prepare for the role or was it more of spontaneity on the sets?
It was all spontaneity.
Since Golimaar is a cop film, there must be high-voltage action and violence...
Yeah, it's an action entertainer with a fair share of drama, action and entertainment. It's a typical Puri Jagannath film.
This is your first film with Puri Jagannath. He tends to make slick films. How was it to be directed by him?
It was very nice. It was a great experience working with him. I found a friend in him. He's friendly and cordial with everyone. He's sweet and cool as a cucumber. I have not seen tension on his face. He explains the scene so well that you don't feel as though you are acting acting per se. The dialogues just flow. It's an extremely friendly atmosphere.
'Action and Gopi are synonymous'
You also said that he helped you improvise. So does he also encourage the actor in you?
Yes, he is open to improvisation and encourages a lot.
You are acting with Gopichand for the first time too...
Yes, it's my first film with him. It was great working with Gopi. In the first few days, we were very formal -- just saying hi and hello. But when we went to shoot for a song in Lankawi (Malaysia), we opened up and became friends. My mother, Puri sir, Gopi and I used to shop together and have dinner together there!
How was he as a co-star?
He is a great co-star. He has an excellent sense of humour and is a fantastic actor.
Gopichand is good in action...
Action and Gopi are synonymous. He does well in action scenes. He is a fabulous actor and has done 200 per cent justice to the film.
Are you happy with the performance of Pravarakhyudu. It got fairly good reviews...
Though the film was about average, the performances were noted and appreciated.
'I am comfortable in all the languages'
You played your character well, especially in the second half as the principal of the college. You looked serious too...
The look was decided by all of us including director Madan. Generally principals are grey-haired. We thought we should make the principal look young. I had to work on that.
There was a contrast of characters and you portrayed the contrast well...
I had to work on the body language. The principal is taken aback as she sees the young and good-looking lecturer (whom she was in love with). Yet she has to maintain dignity as a principal.
Were you disappointed at the way Sadhyam fared?
In a way I was disappointed. But the character and performance was appreciated. It was shot as it was in the script but some changes were made in the final product.
Your pairing with Jagapathi Babu (in Pellaina Kothalo, Pravarakhyudu and Sadhyam) has been successful. What would you attribute this too? The chemistry between the two was good...
I think it's just because we are ourselves when we act. He is extremely chilled and super cool. For Pravarakhyudu we gave minute suggestions to make the film better.
How do you manage to juggle films in the four South Indian languages?
I am comfortable in all the languages and I know all of them. It's just the unit that is different.
'I have had a good time working with Ramu sir and Suriya'
Have you signed any new projects in Telugu?
There's Raavanan (Villain in Telugu) and Rakta Charitra. I am waiting for a nice project to come my way. I don't want to jump in to something quickly.
Are you happy with the roles you get in Telugu films? Do you feel they are able to tap the acting potential in you?
Whether my films do well or not is secondary. I am happy with whatever I have done and the performances are being talked of. Whatever role you do, do it well.
You seem busy with prime projects Mani Ratnam's Raavanan and Ram Gopal Varma's Rakta Charitra. How was the experience of working with them? Have you finished shooting Rakta Charitra?
Raavanan is releasing on June 18. I loved working with Mani sir and would love to work with him again. It's the sheer experience of working with him. Who wouldn't want to work with Mani sir? I have five to six days left to shoot for Rakta Charitra. It's been a great experience and I have had a good time working with Ramu sir and Suriya.