“Rambha Urvashi Menaka” Is a Complete Family Entertainer: Allari Naresh
Fantasy comedy entertainer ‘Rambha Urvashi Menaka’ is all set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on September 4
Hero Allari Naresh is all set to entertain audiences with the fantasy comedy entertainer ‘Rambha Urvashi Menaka’, directed by Chandramohan Chintada. Produced by Rajesh Danda and Nimmakayala Prasad under the Annapurna Studios and Hasya Movies banners, the film has already generated curiosity with its teaser and trailer.
The film promises a fun-filled blend of fantasy, comedy, emotions and entertainment, with a strong ensemble cast. Ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on September 4, Allari Naresh interacted with the media and shared interesting details about the film, his character, the comedy, ‘Sudigadu 2’, upcoming projects and more.
What can audiences expect from ‘Rambha Urvashi Menaka’?
Usually, in socio-fantasy stories, human characters travel to the world of gods, Indralokam or even Yamalokam. But in this film, Rambha, Urvashi and Menaka come down from heaven to the human world, which itself creates a lot of interesting situations.
My character has been running a drama company since childhood and worships Rambha, Urvashi and Menaka like goddesses. He is someone who dreams of becoming a hero without putting in much effort. He strongly believes that if the gods bless him, he could even become the hero of the next Rajamouli film!
His family also possesses a book that has been passed down through generations. According to the belief associated with the book, if a particular pattern is drawn, the gods will appear and grant wishes.
The story revolves around how my character draws that pattern, how Rambha, Urvashi and Menaka arrive, and what happens after that. There are many entertaining and interesting situations that unfold from there.
What excited you when director Chandramohan Chintada narrated the story?
After a long time, I felt that I was listening to a genuinely entertaining comedy story. Audiences have also been missing films like ‘Kitakitala’ and ‘Bendu Apparao’ from me.
When Chandramohan narrated this story, it impressed not just me but also Nagarjuna garu, Supriya garu, Rajesh garu and Nimmakayala Prasad garu. We knew that the film would require a substantial budget, especially because of the CG work, but we believed it could turn out to be a very good entertainer.
Chandramohan is not only a talented director but also a very good writer. He came prepared with a well-developed script. Nandu has also written some excellent dialogues for the film.
Tell us about your character.
My character is extremely entertaining. He has borrowed money from almost everyone and nobody in his village really trusts him. Most people have a slightly negative opinion about him.
At the same time, he goes through several difficulties. How he faces those challenges and what happens to him along the way forms an interesting part of the story. It is a character with plenty of scope for comedy and entertainment.
How different is the comedy in the film?
The way audiences perceive comedy has changed over the years. The director has designed the humour in a way that suits my body language and performance style.
It has also been a long time since audiences have seen a film revolving around heaven, hell and Indralokam in this manner. I believe both audiences and children will be excited by the world we have created.
The comedy is very clean and organic. It is not forced into the narrative. The entire family can sit together and enjoy the film.
What can you tell us about the characters played by Vennela Kishore and Srinivasa Reddy?
Srinivasa Reddy garu and Pedda Naresh garu travel along with my character, and the comedy between us is hilarious.
The film also features Vennela Kishore garu, Ajay garu, Tharak Ponnappa and several other talented actors. Each character has been designed to add entertainment to the story.
In fact, the film has a very strong star cast and has been made in a style that reminds me of my father’s kind of cinema.
Tharak Ponnappa plays a police officer, and his character is quite interesting. The story also has a crime backdrop, which adds another layer to the narrative.
Vennela Kishore garu has a very fun and completely different character. Even Indrudu has been given an interesting treatment. He speaks in English and occasionally in Hindi as well. After all, if you are a god, you are expected to know every language! His language and dialogue delivery are also quite cinematic.
Almost everyone in the film has excellent comic timing, and the overall fun quotient has come out wonderfully.
Is the film purely a comedy, or does it also have an emotional element?
The film is an out-and-out entertainer and remains hilarious throughout. At the same time, there is a good emotional core to the story.
So, it is not just about comedy. There is an emotional journey as well, and I strongly believe audiences will enjoy both aspects.
The ‘OG’ spoof from the trailer has gone viral. Tell us about it.
My character desperately wants to become a hero. Since cinema is the language he understands best, he tends to speak in the language of films he has watched.
There is an ‘OG’ sequence in the film, and when you watch it in context, you will understand why it fits perfectly into the story. Once you watch the movie, the reason behind that sequence will become clear.
You have done several serious films recently. Are you looking to return to comedy more often?
A lot of dark and serious films have been coming out in recent times. I feel audiences are now looking for light-hearted comedy films and entertainers again.
Going forward, I would like to maintain a balance in my choices. Ideally, I want to do two comedy films followed by a serious film, and continue experimenting while also giving audiences the kind of entertainment they expect from me.
Do you have any plans to turn director?
At present, my entire focus is on acting. I want to concentrate on doing good films and delivering successful performances as an actor.
Directing is not my priority right now.
What is the status of ‘Sudigadu 2’?
I would definitely like to make ‘Sudigadu 2’. But the situation today is very different from what it was when we made the original.
‘Sudigadu’ featured nearly 108 spoofs, and at that time, we obtained permissions from the respective directors and producers.
Today, copyright issues have become much more complicated. We cannot predict what kind of objections or copyright issues might arise around the time of release.
So, if we decide to make ‘Sudigadu 2’, we have to consider all these aspects carefully while developing the film.
Which young directors would you like to work with?
I really like Ritesh Rana’s style. I particularly enjoyed ‘Mathu Vadalara’. His films have a lot of detailing, and he brings contemporary issues into his stories in a very entertaining manner.
I would also love to work with directors like Tharun Bhascker. I am open to collaborating with young filmmakers who have a distinctive voice and fresh storytelling approach.
After ‘Maharshi’, it seems you have not done many multi-starrers. Are you interested in them?
I have actually been doing multi-starrers since ‘Shambo Shiva Shambo’. Whenever directors approach me with a genuinely good multi-starrer story, I am happy to be part of it.
After ‘Maharshi’, Nagarjuna garu himself suggested my name for ‘Naa Saami Ranga’, and I went ahead and did the film.
If a good story requires multiple protagonists, I am always open to multi-starrers.
How was your experience working with music director Chetan Bharadwaj?
This is my first film with Chetan Bharadwaj. He is currently one of the music directors who is creating a lot of buzz.
There is a song featuring Surabhi and me in the film, and I really like it. The other four songs are also catchy and appealing.
However, I feel the background score will be one of the major highlights of the film. Chetan has done a very good job with it.
What would you like to tell audiences about ‘Rambha Urvashi Menaka’?
I have been doing serious films recently, but this is a completely different experience. ‘Rambha Urvashi Menaka’ is a very good comedy entertainer and a light-hearted film.
I want audiences to come to theatres with their families, relax for two-and-a-half hours and simply enjoy themselves.
Watch the film, laugh your heart out and go home happy.
What are your upcoming projects?
‘Alcohol’ is ready for release. I am also currently shooting for ‘Kanakadurga’. There are some interesting projects lined up, and I am looking forward to entertaining audiences with them.
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