Deviated from tried-and-tested path with 'Bruce Lee': Sreenu Vaitla

Director Sreenu Vaitla says his forthcoming Telugu film "Bruce Lee: The Fighter" is as commercial as any of previous films but adds that he has attempted something different and has deviated from his regular template.

"One thing my films always guarantee is entertainment. 'Bruce Lee' too is loaded with all the usual elements of entertainment but in the process I've deviated from the regulate template of making commercial films," Vaitla told IANS.

"I've made films where stories were told in an entertaining way and ones where I've tried to fit entertainment in the story. 'Bruce Lee' falls in the first category of films and that's why I think it will work," he said, and added that audiences will find something different in the film, which hits the screens on Friday worldwide.

Clarifying that the film can't be branded as an actioner, Vaitla said it has all the elements to entertain family audiences too.

"Ram plays a stuntman and people around him call him Bruce Lee, it's a pet name and it has nothing to do with the genre of the film. There's comedy, romance and drama to appeal to everybody, so people shouldn't treat this as an action film," he said, and lauded the efforts of Ram for the preparation for his role.

Ram learnt mixed martial arts for the film and trained with experts in Hong Kong.

"He worked extremely hard and since we worked on a tight schedule, he barely had time to relax. We had decided on the release date even before we went on the floors, so obviously we couldn't afford any sort of delay," he said.

After 8 long years, megastar Chiranjeevi returns to face the arc lights in a cameo role.

This is the second time Vaitla has teamed up with the 60-year old actor.

"I worked with him a decade ago in 'Andarivadu', and honestly, directing him in this film was more enjoyable. He looks even more energetic than he was back then and that has hugely benefited the film," he said.

Produced by DVV Danayya, the film also stars Kriti Kharbanda, Tisca Chopra and Arun Vijay in important roles.