kubera-is-not-just-a-film-its-an-experience-Nagarjuna Akkineni
“Kubera’s story, characters, and screenplay – everything is different. It takes guts to do a film like this. Kubera will offer a great experience to the audience.”
Superstar Dhanush, King Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna – the highly anticipated pan-India film Kubera is directed by Sekhar Kammula. With a stellar cast, Kubera is poised to be a game-changer in Indian cinema. The promotional content already released has received a tremendous response. Songs like “Poyira Mama,” “Trance of Kubera,” and “PeePee Dum Dum” have become chartbusters and are trending across music platforms. The film is being produced on a high budget with grand production values by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under SVCLLP, in association with Amigos Creations Pvt. Ltd. Kubera is all set for a grand worldwide release on June 20 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.
What made you take up a multi-starrer like Kubera?
Good stories come to life when stars come together. I’ve done several multi-starrers in the past too. My father (ANR), NTR garu, Krishna garu, Shobhan Babu garu — all of them acted in many films together. I’ve always wanted to work with Sekhar Kammula. From Anand onwards, we all know the kind of films he makes. I like his movies a lot. His stories usually carry socially relevant themes while still being commercially appealing with beautiful music.
What’s the unique point in Kubera?
Kubera has a very unique and relevant point for today’s society. Sekhar garu had this concept in mind for a long time. The film features both good and bad characters. It shows a clash between three layers of society — ultra-rich, middle class, and below the poverty line.
What is your character like?
I play a middle-class character, a CBI officer, who is constantly in an internal conflict: “Should I do good or bad?” This character has many shades. Sekhar wrote it wonderfully. It’s a role that offers a lot of scope for subtle performance. There are some very impactful incidents in the film, and they’re all closely related to real life. Dhanush has completely immersed himself in his role. He’s done a phenomenal job.
Did Sekhar Kammula tailor the script to suit your image?
Not at all. He stuck to his vision. I didn’t ask for any changes. Changing it would have ruined the essence.
Almost everyone in your family has worked with Sekhar Kammula. Did you ask anyone about his style?
I asked Chaitanya. He said, “His working style is amazing. You’ll enjoy the whole process.”
Is your character in Kubera different from all your previous roles?
Yes, this character is very different. My body language, dialogue delivery, reactions – everything will appear new. It follows Sekhar Kammula’s unique style.
We shot most of the film in real locations — Tirupati, Mumbai, Goa, Bangkok, and other major places.
What is Rashmika Mandanna’s character like?
Her role is very entertaining, and she has performed brilliantly. After watching her performance, I told her, “You are the star.” It’s a very refreshing character in the story.
Tell us about the producers of Kubera.
Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan garu wanted to make a big film. They took this project pan-India in Telugu and Tamil. They made the film with great passion and never compromised on anything Sekhar wanted. The final output is of excellent quality.
What about the music by Devi Sri Prasad?
Music plays a vital role in this film. The songs are very situational. Devi has given wonderful music. The story is very different. It doesn’t follow a regular screenplay or conventional characters. Every element is unique. There’s no typical hero-heroine setup in this movie. All characters are treated equally. It takes guts to attempt such films.
Is your 100th film in planning?
Yes, we are planning. The working title is King 100.
You look very fit. Have you made any recent changes to your diet?
Not really. I’ve been following the same routine for the past 15 years. Nothing new.
What’s your opinion on the pan-India trend?
Making pan-India films is not easy. Not every film fits that format. Just labeling a film as pan-India doesn’t make it one.
How far along is the Shiva 4K project?
Shiva 4K is finished. We are working on enhancing the visual effects. It’s coming out really well. I saw one reel — it looks amazing.
We heard you’re doing a film with Sitara banner?
I want to work with everyone — Sitara, People Media Factory… but the right project has to come along.
What is your character like in Coolie?
I’m playing a very different character in Coolie. Lokesh Kanagaraj is a completely new-age director. The role is quite unique. I’ve never done anything like this before.
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