Fortunate to see a legend at work, says director Teja

You roped in legendary Cinare for a song in your upcoming film `Nene Raju Nene Mantri’?
It’s true that we approached him to pen a song for our film. Although, it was not a straight song, but he showed good interest and I was fortunate to see a legend at work. Even though, it was a remix of one of his old chartbuster `Nellavanka Thongichusindi..’ from the film `Rajakota Rahasyam’ but he gave it a modern tweak and it turned out really well.

You have mostly worked with young lyricists like Kulasekar and others? How was it working Cinerae?
I had worked and launched many a young lyricist, but working with Cinare was a different and memorable experience. Even though he was sick, he spent some time with us in fine-tuning the song. I feel that I should have done a few more songs with him, since he is an intellectual and a humanist too.

Did you approach him for this song?
No it was producer Suresh Babu’s idea to remix the old number. In fact, Ramainaidu and Cinare are one of the closest friends in the industry and their friendship began from the days of `Ramudu Bheemudu’. So he couldn’t say no to a request to do a song for his grandson Rana. Nevertheless, I cherish those moments.

Coming to your film, it’s touted to be a political thriller and Rana would be seen in multiple shades?
Rana’s performance will be one of the highlights of the film and he would showcase grey and dark shades with consummate ease. Somebody asked me, whether it is an extension of much-talked about character Ballaladeva, I said, yes it is true to some extent.

Even Mahesh and Kalyan Ram are doing films revolving around political themes? How different is yours?
My story is multi-layered and above other films since they are confined to one theme. Of course, our film has political undertones, but it’s more about an individual who has a mission and he is unstoppable. You can label him black or white, but he will sweep audience off their feet.

Any clash between Kaajal, Catherine to win the heart of Rana?
Actually, Rana and Kaajal play lovey-dovey couple, but I can’t reveal more at this stage, while Catherine’s is essaying a meaty role.