Rajamouli’s tips bolstered GPSK making: Krish

Director Krish speaks about his forthcoming film ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni,’ the experience of filming it, Hema Malini refusing to hear the script and working with Balayya

Filmmaker Krish had been toying with the idea of making ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ (GPSK) much before ‘Kanche’, his national-award winning film. “Whenever I had the opportunity I gathered information about Satakarni, but it was around last year that I was very determined to bring it on celluloid. I referred books, journals, spoke to historians and experts and eventually managed to compile vital information necessary to make a film.

While penning the script and scenic order, I could only imagine Balakrishna carrying the grace of the 1st century ruler. After I was done with the script, I approached him. He loved it and green-lit under a day,” recalls Krish with enthusiasm.

The director elucidates that it was because of SS Rajamouli’s advice he was able to wrap up the film in quick time. He shares, “I have set January 12 as the release deadline because I felt we could recover costs if the film is released during Sankranti. When I was about to commence the first schedule in Morocco, Rajamouli advised me to shoot as much as I could live, instead of depending on computer graphics.

I just followed his instructions and expanded my budgets accordingly for the Morocco schedule. Recently, he appreciated me after watching the trailer. He again told me not to be complacent and work relentlessly on the post-production until the release, so I thank him for guiding us.

Moreover, I could complete everything in time because of an excellent teamwork, so ‘GPSK’ is a reflection of proper planning and Rajamouli’s suggestions.” Gathering information and bringing it on-screen, Krish discovered, was the challenge. “Since very few know about Satakarni, the biggest challenge was to gather information and bring it on screen while customising it to the current generation.

I am glad that we have executed what was exactly there in the script,” he says, adding, “I thought it would be difficult to shoot the film because of several external factors, but thankfully, nothing has obstructed our shoot. While filming in Madhya Pradesh, it rained exactly when we required water, so I guess we had the divine blessings too.”

Holding Balayya in high esteem, Krish says the endurance the superstar exhibited was second to none. “Working with him was a fantastic experience, and his passion towards cinema pushed us beyond our limits. Even at this age, he refused to have a body double for the action sequences. His energy levels were infectious. The film wouldn’t have happened without his belief and commitment.”

Justifying Hema Malini’s inclusion, who plays Gautami Balasri in the film, Krish reveals, “It is a very highly-influential character, and we wanted someone who had the grace and elegance, yet a fresh face. I believed Hema Malini was a good bet. Initially, she refused to listen to the script, but after I persisted, she eventually gave a thought and heard it. She was really surprised to hear the rich history of Satakarni and later agreed to come on board. She asked the lines to be given in Tamil and she was fantastic.”

Although the film’s content has pan-India appeal, Krish accentuates that they have decided not to promote the film in Hindi. “We have decided not to venture into other languages (although release it with subtitles) because we have envisaged the content to suit to Telugu nativity. The film would be narrated purely from the Telugu people’s perspective.”

Krish expresses annoyance over the online fan wars that are currently doing the rounds in social media. “It’s really depressing to read some posts from fans of Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi about their caste. Both are great actors and we as their fans have to complement each other and enjoy the films instead of indulging in mud-slinging. Sankranti is a festival that can accommodate any number of films; I wish both films triumph at the turnstile.”