Vinayak insists, Charan resists

When Rathnavelu’s name was announced as the cinematographer of Chiranjeevi’s 150th film over the usual probability Chota K Naidu, it took many by surprise. The lensman so far has been part of Telugu films only headed by director Sukumar (apart from ‘Brahmotsavam’). Here’s a little back-story of how the ace technician made it to the landmark film.

Apparently, the film’s director VV Vinayak suggested Chota K Naidu’s name because of his proximity and working relation with him. Chota also cranked the camera for Chiru’s films like ‘Choodalani Vundi’, ‘Bavagaru Bagunnara’, ‘Master’, ‘Daddy’ and ‘Shankardada Zindabad’ among others. But Ram Charan wanted something hatke. Since it is his home production, he insisted on having young blood on board.

There were several rounds of discussions that took place between the two on whom to finalise. But eventually the actor zeroed in on Rathnavelu because he believed the cameraman will showcase his father in a new light. Moreover, since the actor shall soon team up with Sukumar (for which Rathnavelu would be the obvious choice) picking the ‘Robot’ cinematographer was a natural choice.

A source close to the unit reveals, “Charan is a big admirer of Rathnavelu’s work. He felt camera work for his dad’s 150th film is of utmost importance as it is highly anticipated and the expectations around Chiru’s every move would be sky-high and under the scanner. And so he wasted no time in roping in the acclaimed lensman for a bomb.”