I may not work with newcomers: Teja

After a series of flops, seasoned director Teja bounces back into the reckoning with his latest release ‘Nene Raju Nene Mantri’ which is opened to sensational openings by drawing Rs 10 crore in just three days and all set to gross more than Rs 30 crore, “No doubt. I was looking for a hit, but audience blessed me with a blockbuster.

I Basing on the sensational openings, it is going to be one of the top grossers, says Teja, who claims that only confidence kept him going during his lean patch. ‘Anyone in my place, would have easily given up, long back, for the kind of backlash I had to encounter in my bad phase. I realised few of mistakes I made and rectified myself.

However, I have resolved never to introduce newcomers since times have changed,” he adds. Coming to “NRNM’, he adds “Rana’s performance is one of the USP’s of the film, since very few actors could carry such a complex role with ease. Rana took the role of a good-hearted financier who turns into a ruthless politician to the next level with his acting repertoire.

Not to be left behind, even Kajal matched strides with him with a brilliant performance and their onscreen chemistry has been a big value addition. Their love, became a perfect foil for our political drama,” he adds. The film was reportedly wrapped up in Rs 14 crore. “I can’t disclose the figure, but meticulous planning and reduction of wastage helped the film to be made within stipulated budget.

We worked with 67 actors including big and small, but wrapped up work of each of them in two or three days with clear-cut planning and execution which saved lots of money,’ he avers and heaps praises on producer Suresh Babu. “He is best producer I ever worked with and love to work with him again.

For instance, Suresh called up our production manager once and asked what we were doing. He told him that were shooting an action sequence in a particular place. Then Suresh asked him whether there was any hospital in 3 kms distance and manager said no. Next, we were shooting the action sequence, with an ambulance stationed closerby, that’s kind of concern he has for the whole unit,’ he discloses.

On taking too much of cinematic liberties in the phenomenal rise of a sarpanch into a State Minister. “I can’t show it real-time as it would have taken years. And also this brittle and unstable political system, such ambitious people are bound to be around. We took some cinematic liberties here and there but once audience has given it’s verdict, I think it’s unnecessary to discuss more about it,’ he cuts short.