Baahubali to scale new heights

Just as the temperature in the city is soaring, expectations for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion are rising. There is a lot of anticipation for the next instalment of the franchise, which will be hitting cinema theatres soon,  to be an epic and fulfilling experience.

The entire team of Baahubali including the ‘man’ who helms the affairs — SS Rajamouli, Prabhas, who seemed to have just come out of the macho ‘Baahubali mode’, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishnan, Nasser, Madan Karky, producer Shobu, Rajarajan (who bought the Tamil rights), were in Chennai to promote the Tamil version of Baahubali. All were seen in high spirits and were confident that the second part will supersede the first in terms of critical acclaim, as well as commercial success. Here’s what the much-excited team has to say.

On being Devasena, working with Prabhas...

Q You spent a solid five years on Baahubali and did not have time to think of your marriage. Now that it’s over, when can we expect you to tie the knot?
I don’t know what made people think that working for five years on Baahubali postponed my marriage. Baahubali was never the reason for me not getting married. In fact, I did yet another film in between — Inji Iduppazhagi. When it has to happen it will happen.

Q Was it a struggle losing and gaining weight for the film?
That doesn’t define me. Putting on weight to bringing it down was a slow process. It took a few months’ time.

Q How was it working with Prabhas in different genres?
When I see Billa and then Mirchi and now Baahubali, I feel it is a great opportunity to work with the same star in various shades of characters. Because of the comfort zone we have,  we don’t have to focus on each other every time and can concentrate more on the characters we essay.

Q With Prabhas, which was more comfortable — action scenes or romantic ones?
I would say romantic–actions (laughs).

Q Did you have any apprehension with the presence of yet another heroine, Tamannaah, in the film?
For me the most important factor to accept a film is its script. Unless the story is fascinating, how much ever screen space you have, it will not work out.

Devasena’s character is once-in-a-lifetime chance. I am very glad that I am part of this film irrespective of other characters in it. Even if there were 10 more co-stars, I would have happily done this role.

Q How was it playing the mother-in-law of Tamannaah’s in the film?
(Anushka bursts into laughter) How many people will get an opportunity like this? All my jewellery and other precious things will be given to her and I will be a good mother-in-law!

On friends and marriage
Prabhas was in his element and his sense of humour was felt when he was cracking jokes at the drop of a hat. Apart from mimicking Rajamouli’s words, when the question about his marriage came up yet again,  the actor coolly said, “You should ask Sweety (Anushka’s pet name) this question and her answer can be cut and paste as mine too,”

Talking about how he and Rajamouli have evolved over their ten years of association, he said, “Personally, I am a big fan of Rajamouli. Even when we did our first film, I knew he was a big director. He had already given blockbusters then. Just by interacting with him for a month, watching the way he talks, his approach to things, I became a huge fan. I transform into another person whenever I meet him. We have been working together for more than ten years, and his personality has been great throughout.”

Born and brought up in Chennai, Prabhas’ affinity towards Tamil films was obvious — “I am keen to do  Tamil films. I am a big fan of Mani Ratnam sir and Gautham Menon is another favourite.”

A film of a lifetime
Tamannaah, who floored everyone playing the aggressive warrior Avantika in Baahubali, says that the film is an unforgettable one in her career. Speaking to the media, she said, “It is a pan Indian movie and the kind of respect and influence it has had on people is amazing. After Baahubali, people’s reaction towards me has been heartwarming. I am getting better scripts. People believe me as an actor after playing Avantika. I am confident of performing stunts after filming for the many action scenes.”

Heaping praises on Prabhas, she said, “I have done only one film with Prabhas before Baahubali. We were just co-stars then. After this film we have become best friends. He is very co-operative and even goes for 30 takes patiently to get the act right.” She added with a big grin, “Prabhas is such an adorable person and the darling of Indian cinema. Girls fall for him instantly. He will be hounded by all my girl friends if I take him to Mumbai”.

On Anushka, she said, “Sweety helped me with my costumes and makeup when I came into the industry. It was a great experience working with her for the last five years.”

Quiz her about the criticism on a particular scene where Shivudu woos Avantika in Baahubali, “It is just Rajamouli’s perception of that character. Avantika is a warrior girl with a mission. Dressed in a man’s attire, she has forgotten that she was a woman. It’s a scene where I realise myself. For me it was a beautiful experience,” she signs off.