Mohan Babu: In a happy space

As of now, I don’t see my alliance with any political outfit though I can’t speak about what the future holds for me. I’ve always dreamt of winning a seat without spending a penny and I want to accomplish it one day- Mohan Babu

Fondly addressed as ‘Collection King’ by his fans, actor Mohan Babu is in a relaxed mood as he speaks about his upcoming film ‘Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda’ (PPT). His conversations are incomplete without mentioning the names of NTR, ANR, Sivaji Ganesan and his guru Dasari Narayana Rao, people who, in one or the other way, have shaped his career. However, he has found a new favourite - filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. The veteran is collaborating with Varma for an untitled film. “I’ve completed my portions for the film. In my near four-decade career, I haven’t seen a filmmaker who thinks about the craft of direction for 24 hours,” he beams about Varma.

Returning to the silver screen after a brief hiatus, he says he was happy sitting at home “encouraging his children’s endeavors and monitoring the functioning of his educational institutions.” “When I thought of making ‘Ravana’, it went over budget and eventually had to be put on the backburner. Later I heard ‘PPT’ script. I loved the central character and decided to give it a shot. I haven’t played a character like this in the last ten years,” he shares.

The actor is in a happy space as he is extremely confident about the box office prospects of the film. “My guru Dasari watched the flick recently and said it was excellent. He suggested a minor change and we took his advice. He asked me to face the release confidently. For a second opinion, I’ve even held a special show for some women. They too felt that it has all the elements to be a sure-shot hit,” he recalls.

While he is guarded about his character Naidu, he speaks about his son’s roles. “Vishnu has essayed the role of a dynamic youngster while Manoj’s role of eunuch (Mohini) will leave the audience in splits. I see him getting accolades on par with what NTR has got for his role of Brihannala in ‘Nartanasala’. His getup will lure youngsters to get hitched with him,” smiles the actor.

Made at a budget of Rs 30 crore, the actor, who is currently shooting for SV Krishna Reddy’s ‘Yamaleela 2’, says he is releasing “‘PPT’ on his own.” “Buyers didn’t come forward. Some people were interested but the business range was scaling up to only Rs 20 crore. It is then that I decided to release it on my own. Even Dasari garu too tried to dissuade me, but I wanted to take a risk as I’m convinced of the product’s outcome,” he suggests.

It was 10 days ago that the PR machinery of the film released a press statement indicating that the film is the official remake of ‘Golmaal 3,’ but he was quick to deny it. “I’ve purchased the story from one Ravi. Kona Venkat, Gopi Mohan and BVS Ravi drafted another version and after merging both the versions, we felt that it has some semblances to ‘Golmaal 3’. When I enquired with Ravi, he said that he had the story registered with the writer’s association sometime back and that some others copied his idea.”

Once an active MP, he is uncertain about his political future. “As of now, I don’t see my alliance with any political outfit though I can’t speak about what future holds for me. However, I wish to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country,” he signs off, adding, “I always had this dream of winning a seat without spending a penny and I want to accomplish it one day.”