We are proud Of 'Dhruva': Ram Charan

The new Ram Charan Teja-starrer "Dhruva" has done as well as expected, believes the film's leading man, who says the film and his team did well during these times of recession.

"Dhruva", a Telugu entertainer, released on December 9.

"We knew the financial situation was unfavourable to our film's release. But we really had no choice but to release on time. We were prepared for a meltdown. We expected at least 30 per cent of the audience to stay away.

"All of us worked towards economising on the budget without compromising on the product. So yeah, considering everything, I am happy with the outcome," Ram Charan said.

"Dhruva" is a remake of a Tamil film. Why a remake?

"Why not a remake," asked the actor, and added: "Better a decent remake than a bad original, don't you think? We have to understand that content is king now. And it doesn't matter what the source of the content and where it's coming from, as long as it is workable. We liked the Tamil original and decided to do it in Telugu with some changes."

What remains is the very powerful villain played by Arvind Swamy. Didn't Ram Charan feel he was giving the co-actor too much footage?

Laughing off the assumption, Ram Charan said: "Like I said, it's the content that dictates my decision to do a film. It is no longer important for me to be seen in every frame. I know my fans want me on the screen. But I think hero-worship should not be allowed to corrupt the plot and narrative of a film.

"My fans should go to see a good film, not just me. Otherwise, they won't remain my fans for too long."

Ram says he couldn't consider a delay of "Dhruva" because his father Chiranjeevi's film is also scheduled for release.

"What choice did I have? Even if we wanted to postpone 'Dhruva', where would we go? My father's film 'Khaidi No 150' is all set for Pongal (January 13) release. I couldn't push my own release to clash with his film. It is a very important film.

"It is my father's 150th release and we can't afford to make even one false move in its release. I am not just his son, I am also the producer of this film," he added.

Fans who are eager to see the father and son together need not go home disappointed.

"We do come together in a song. I have a cameo in the film. Just a token presence for sentimental reasons. My father's film doesn't need my presence," he said.

Ram Charan moves to his next project in February.

"Right now, my full concentration is on the release of my father's film. Of course, we're planning a much bigger release for 'Khaidi No 150' than 'Dhruva', naturally. I can only breathe easy after Pongal. I start my next film to be directed by Sukumar after my father's film is released."

Ram Charan says it is again a film that will take Telugu cinema away from its regional roots wile retaining the flavour of Andhra.

"It's a modern subject and yet very close to our hearts. We need to think beyond borders while making movies. We need to pull up our socks."

--IANS

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