Venky through Maruthi’s eyes

Filmmaker Maruthi on parting with ‘Rojulu Maraayi’ script, small films and directing Venkatesh

Until it was almost wrapped up, filmmaker Maruthi has managed to keep confidentiality around Dil Raju’s association with ‘Rojulu Maraayi’, which he has written. “After watching ‘Kerintha’ I went to meet Dil Raju to rope in Tejaswi and Parvateesam for ‘Rojulu Maraayi’ as they were under his contract.

When he asked me about the story, I have shared it with him. He expressed interest to back it. We’ve sent the dialogue version to him a few months later and after he scrutinised it, the film went on to floors,” recalls Maruthi.

The film, besides Tejaswi and Parvateesam, features newcomer Chetan and Kruthika in the lead roles and is a small-budgeted drama about the modern youth’s approach towards love. “It was inspired from a news piece that I’ve read.

The article was about a guy being killed over relationship,” he insists, adding, “Youngsters these days are walking away from their (steady) relationships for better options and the film addresses it as a dishonest practice. It’s primarily a fun-filled film but is laced with some thriller elements.”

Maruthi believes in coming up with a good and tight script when he associates with small films. “Keeping in view the ticket prices, the audiences generally overlook small films as they don’t boast of big names, so it’s important for small-budget filmmakers to pen a strong script,” he advises, admitting that the fame a director makes from the success of a small film is unparallel.

Quiz him if he was not tempted to direct ‘Rojulu Maraayi’ and he responds by saying there are too many other stories that he wants to helm. “Also, I believe in nurturing young talent, a reason which made me to handover ‘Rojulu Maraayi’ to Murali Krishna.”He adds that his duty ended at the creative level and hasn’t ghost directed the film. “I’ve visited the sets only once and that too with Raju.

My association ended at the creative level,” he laughs, pointing out that the film has shaped up to his liking. “After watching the final copy I’ve felt that the director emulated my style.” Maruthi’s next directorial, ‘Babu Bangaram’ is with Venkatesh and it is schedule to hit the screens shortly.

Commenting on his working experience with the superstar, he shares, “I’ve grown up watching his films and I’ve presented him in a way that I would like to see him on screen. The film is a full-length entertainer and the shooting is over barring a number.”

By Nagaraj Goud