RGV enjoys a film like a child: Dhananjaya

The actor plays a representative of the powerless in his latest action flick, ‘Bhairava Geetha’

Dhananjaya who captured the audience’s hearts with his role as Daali in ‘Tagaru’ is super excited about his latest bilingual film ‘Bhairava Geetha’, which hit the screens on Friday. The film is directed by Siddhartha and is a project by Ram Gopal Varma. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, the actor talks about his film and more.

How special is this film to you?

After Daali, the audience is definitely expecting a lot from me. ‘Bhairava Geetha’ is very special for me as it is my 10th film in Sandalwood and marks my debut in the Telugu film industry.

How did the film happen?

‘Bhairava Geetha’ was an unexpected project; it was not planned. Ram Gopal Varma came to watch Tagaru and was impressed by my performance in the film. I got a call from him and we met in Hyderabad. He showed me some shots from a test shoot they had done for the film. When RGV narrated the story to me, I couldn’t think of anything else apart from wanting to be in the film. Siddhartha, the director, is just 23-years-old and has done a great job.

What is striking about your character, Bhairava?

I feel the audience will love Bhairava more. Daali had many negative traits while Bhairava shows some innocence. The way Bhairava rebels, his anger and everything else will be loved by movie buffs.

Tell us a bit about the film.

The film is set in the 90s and is based on a true story which happened on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border. The film is about the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Bhairava belongs to the labour-class. I play the voice of the powerless in the film. It clearly shows what happens when a group of people who were oppressed fight against their oppressor.

How were your interactions with RGV?

We would meet often. RGV enjoys a film like a child. If he likes a film, he is very vocal about it. Once the shoot was done, he invited me to Mumbai to watch the film. The first thing he asked was, ‘Where were you all these years? I have never seen such an actor in South India’.

What do you feel about the violent scenes in the film? Are you afraid of being stereotyped?

The film is A-rated and is meant to have all scenes we intended it to have. Our audience is exposed to all sorts of film. The film showcases struggle between two groups; violence in the film is justified.

As for being accepted by the audience, it depends on the actor and how he makes and breaks his image.

Do you feel the film will open up new venues?

The thrill to see myself on screen as a lead character is much more when compared to other films. When I am playing the lead role, the responsibility of the film falls on my shoulders. In this light, I am sure Bhairava will open up many opportunities for me. Any actor will be able to create his space in a film industry if he is talented. Language doesn’t matter there. I didn’t know Telugu, but I dubbed for the film.

What is lined up for you?

I am working in a film ‘Popcorn Monkey Tiger’, which will see me playing an intense role. The film is a journey of a gangster. The discussions are still on but I might relive my role as Daali.