With lockdown season, movie buffs are glued to digital platforms for movie streaming. One among such movies is Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (Angu Vaikundapurathu in Malayalam) starring Allu Arjun. After getting amazing box office response, the movie is getting wide applauds since it's digital premire on Netflix.
And with the massive success of the movie, Telugu heart throb Allu Arjun is currently on a roll. A mega music concert, which was the biggest in the history of the Telugu entertainment industry, was conducted as part of this film’s promotions in Hyderabad. Allu calls Kerala his second home and clearly enjoys the name ‘Mallu Arujun’ given by his fans in the state. In a special interview with Malayala Manorama, the star opens up about his movie, career and also his love for Kerala.
Angu Vaikundapurathu had received a huge welcome including special fans shows in Kerala just as a Malayali superstar would receive. What do you feel about it?
It indeed is fortunate that an actor from another state who speaks a different language receives such an overwhelming welcome. I have been enjoying the love and respect from Keralites for more than a decade now. The Malayali youth have given great popularity for my movies. I have also received many honors from Kerala. Being invited as the chief guest for the Nehru trophy boat race has been one the greatest honors in my life.
What do you have to say about Angu Vaikundapurathu?
This movie is a thorough entertainer. With songs, dance and fight sequences, it is made to entertain the mass audience. All the songs in the movie have become super hits. The song ‘Samajavaragamana’ sung by Sid Sriram has garnered record views in Youtube. Trivikram Srinivas is a director who knows the trend and interests of the fans. He had made a perfect mass entertainer.
Malayali actors like Jayaram and Govind Padmasoorya have acted in the movie. How was your experience working with them?
Jayaram has essayed a significant role in this movie. It was already decided that a versatile actor who could pull off any character with perfection should do that role. It was then that the makers approached him. I am happy that I could work with him. He was very active on the sets, making everyone laugh with his jokes. His presence on the sets was nothing short of a celebration. Meanwhile, GP is an excellent performer. This is GP’s first Telugu movie. I am sure that more amazing roles would come his way.
When can the Malayali audience watch you in a real Malayalam movie and not the dubbed versions of your Telugu films?
I sincerely wish to do a good Malayalam movie. I have been saying this for the last ten years. I would definitely do a Malayalam movie when a good project comes my way. It hasn’t happened till now. I am waiting for a team that has a talented director and screenwriter and other artists. I dream of doing a bi - lingual movie that could be simultaneously released in Teugu as well. It in fact has two advantages. A talented director could make his entry to the Telugu film industry and I could be part of a good Malayalam movie as well.
Most technicians who made music for this movie are from abroad. Why is that so?
Music and the background score play pivotal roles in enhancing the technical quality of the movie. Sometimes the technicians or the technology here cannot present the music the exact way in which it is conceived by the director or the composer. That is why we use technicians from abroad. S Thaman is the music composer of this movie. He had clear ideas about his tunes and also about the musical instruments that needed to be used in them. It was required for the movie as well.
There are lots of fans in Kerala who admire your dance steps.
I am not a great dancer. I just dance to the tunes and it turns out good. My dance seems amazing to them because of the love they have for me.
Have you watched a Malayalam movie recently?
I have in fact watched quite a lot of Malayalam movies. There are lots of talented young actors in Malayalam. I watch movies of Fahadh Faasil, Nivin Pauly and Dulquer Salmaan. I really enjoyed Kumbalangi Nights. I assume that a lot of young directors too have carved a niche of their own in the Malayalam film industry.
You have spoken about the young actors. What about the two great pillars of the Malayalam cinema? Who do you like more, Mammootty or Mohanlal?
I have immense respect for both of them. Not just Malayalam, they are two of the greatest actors in India. However, personally, I am a fan of the characters played by Mohanlal sir. I know that lots of artists in Telugu, including the directors, have great respect for his impeccable personality. It is his simplicity that makes him stand out.
