Director promises 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' will provide 'wholesome entertainment'
What's the story
Filmmaker Harish Shankar, who has directed blockbusters like Mirapakay, Gabbar Singh, and Ramayya Vasthavayya, is awaiting the release of Ustaad Bhagat Singh. The film stars Pawan Kalyan and will hit the screens on March 19. In an interview with Variety India, Shankar opened up about reuniting with Kalyan after their blockbuster Gabbar Singh and shared insights into his filmmaking approach.
Fan service
What to expect from 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh'
When asked what Kalyan's fans can expect from Ustaad Bhagat Singh, Shankar said, "In one line, my answer would be, whatever they want to expect, they can." "It's a solid entertainment. I'm not saying it's a comedy. Because for me, entertainment is a wholesome package of action sequences, songs, and high-voltage scenes. So, the wholesome entertainment." "Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a special entertainer."
Director's perspective
Shankar on Kalyan's image
Shankar acknowledged the added responsibility of Kalyan's political role as Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh. "So, when fans are asking me on social media, 'Sir, do we have an item song?' They are comparing the film with Gabbar Singh. So, I said, every song will be an item, but there won't be an item song because somehow I want to maintain the decorum of a Deputy CM." "Now he can't run behind the item girl and sing songs."
Filmmaking philosophy
His approach to making massy family entertainers
Shankar spoke about his approach to blending family entertainment with a massy touch. He said, "Satisfying fans with his (Pawan Kalyan) kind of image and his kind of aura is a pretty comfortable job." "But today, because of the digital revolution and the introduction of YouTube, InstaReel, Shorts and all things, I want every movie lover to love my film." "If it serves only the fans' purpose, I don't think I'll be doing 100% justice."
Director's insights
On his relationship with actor Ravi Teja
Further in the conversation, Shankar described his relationship with actor Ravi Teja as more than just professional. "Ravi Teja is not just a film hero for me. I treat him as my big brother." "And the kind of confidence he has in me is more than the confidence I have in myself." He also identified himself as a director first, citing his theater background and understanding of characterizations, performances, body language, staging scenes, dialogue modulation, etc.
Filmmaker's inspiration
Filmmakers who influenced him the most
Shankar named several filmmakers who influenced his understanding of commercial cinema. "A lot. It's not just films. Right from Raj Kapoor, Mughal-e-Azam to Sandeep Reddy Vanga and many others." "So, my journey of learning starts from each and every film that is released on the previous Friday." He also expressed a strong affection for the filmmaking styles of David Dhawan, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.