Hanuman is a rooted film

Rana Daggubati, Prasanth Varma and Teja Sajja interacted with the national media in Mumbai at the Hindi trailer launch of Hanuman.

Excerpts from the conversation

Rana Daggubati

On cinema sans boundaries

I grew up in Chennai, learning Tamil, before I moved to Hyderabad and learnt Telugu. And then I started doing a little bit of work in Bollywood. My first film here was with Rohan Sippy, I had a role in Dum Maro Dum. I noticed that many filmmakers didn’t know what was happening in other parts of the country — in Hyderabad, no one knew what was happening in Hindi films, and in Mumbai, nobody knew what was happening in Tollywood. I thought that needed to change, I wanted the industry not to have boundaries. And then, Baahubali happened. And now, it doesn’t matter where you belong. If you tell a story, the world will watch it.

Introducing director Prasanth Varma, Rana said, he has received multiple National Awards as a film maker. It’s amazing that he has crafted this story of Hanuman. He also introduced Teja Sajja, who plays the lead role in the film. “He made his debut playing a two-and-a-half-year-old in mega star Chiranjeevi’s iconic film Indra. He is a true artiste, he is perfect for this part,” Rana said.

Prasanth Varma

On the Rs 5 contribution per ticket towards the Ram Mandir

Chiru sir announced the donation from ticket sales in a moment of happiness; we will talk about it post release.

On the title of the film

Many people in North India are devotees of Hanuman Ji. We discussed the issue and felt that it would draw in audiences from the northern regions too.

On Hanuman entering the Oscars race

Director Rajamouli has paved the way for us. The team which took RRR to the Oscars is going to do that for Hanuman too. I’m keen to take Hanuman to international audiences, the way RRR was. Hanuman is a rooted film. It is a cool superhero film with a little bit of sci-fi along with Indian itihaas.

Teja Sajja

Chiranjeevi is my Godfather

I have grown up watching Chiranjeevi garu. My journey with him started as a kid. Chiranjeevi garu supports me. Whatever I know I have learnt from him. I try to incorporate what I have learnt from him into my work ethic. He is like my Godfather. In the industry, it is each one’s own struggle. I am not yet that big to dream about working with anyone from the Hindi film industry. But if someone offers me work, I’ll take it up.

Many people in North India are devotees of Hanuman Ji. We discussed the issue and felt that it would draw in audiences from the northern regions too. —Prasanth Varma

“I have grown up watching Chiranjeevi garu. My journey with him started as a kid.  Whatever I know I have learnt from him.” — Teja Sajja