Playing it up with a grin

‘Prema Ishq Kadhal’ director Pavan Sadineni, after a hiatus of three years, is back with his next release ‘Savithri’, starring Nara Rohith. So what kept him busy in the all this while? “I was working on multiple ideas and took time in finalising one. In fact, the productive time only helped me to gain command over the script and augment my knowledge on creative aspects like writing and screenplay,” he reveals.

And why did he cast Nara Rohith, who carries a rugged look, for a family entertainer? “Irrespective of the action-hero image he carries, I believe Rohith has an innocent smile, so I have used that to good effect. We went for a slight image makeover shortened his hair, trimmed his moustache and went for a spike. Also, we went for urban casuals in vibrant colours to ensure that he looks up to date.

The best part of his characterisation is that he speaks with the same tone to both heroine and the villain,” he reasons, adding that script had scope for action sequences as well. “My intimacy with Rohith made the transformation process easy.” Describing Rohith’s character, Pavan shares, “He plays Rishi, a doctor by profession not the usual busy physician but someone who is a happy go lucky chap and wants to explore life. He has clarity in life and knows what exactly he wants.

He’s a very confident guy, yet carries the culture very well,” adding, “It was challenging for both of us to bring about the transformation from rugged look to a lover boy. But his confidence levels were so high that he made the makeover process look effortless. He has even lost a few kilos to look the part.” Explaining how different ‘Savithri’ is from some of Rohith’s earlier family dramas, the filmmaker insists, “The approach of hero towards the girl’s family is in complete contrast.

Rohith underplayed himself when he goes to his love interest’s family in ‘Solo’ but over here, he’s all over the place. His role is all about ‘being confident’, and he never loses to anyone at any stage in the film. I believe this a first-of-its- kind role for him.” Also, “I tried to explain a new emotion the relationship between two sisters (Nanditha and Dhanya Balakrishna) in a family.

The plot is all about a girl who is obsessed about marriage and how the hero enters her life and brings about a change. The emotional quotient and cute moments between the lead pair will be the high points,” Pavan signs off.