Mohan Babu Hugged Me After Watching Kannappa: Mukesh Kumar Singh

Dynamic Star Vishnu Manchu’s dream mission Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by M Mohan Babu beneath AVA Leisure and 24 Frames Manufacturing unit is about for launch on the twenty seventh of this month. In the meantime, Director Mukesh Kumar Singh interacted with the media to share some fascinating features.

 *It’s mentioned that Mohan Babu binge-watched your Mahabharat sequence and really useful you to Vishnu Manchu for Kannappa. How did all of it start?* 

Sure, that’s true. It began when director Eshwar Reddy referred to as me and talked about the Mahabharat sequence. I clarified that it wasn’t a solo effort—two different administrators labored alongside me, and I did not wish to take full credit score. I even gave him their contact particulars.

Later, Anup Singh Thakur, who performed Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat and in addition acted with Vishnu in Achari America Yatra, reached out and knowledgeable me that Vishnu Manchu needed to talk to me. Vishnu referred to as me quickly after and invited me to Hyderabad. We met and spent 3–4 hours discussing the topic in depth.

At the moment, Mohan Babu garu wasn’t on the town. Round 25–30 days later, I used to be informed he had returned and needed to satisfy me. I used to be taken to his home, and we spent an hour speaking about Mahabharat. After our dialog, he instantly referred to as Vishnu and mentioned, “That is the person who will direct Kannappa.”

 *Q: Because you labored on Mahabharat, how acquainted have been you with the story of Kannappa?*

Actually, I wasn’t aware of Kannappa initially. Vishnu narrated the story to me and expressed his want to make it as grand as Mahabharat. As soon as I joined, I did intensive analysis alone—I by no means rely solely on writers.

I learn articles, watched movies, and even visited temples in Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti—about 10+ instances. I frolicked with the monks there to actually perceive the religious and cultural depth of the story. After this course of, I shared my understanding with Vishnu. I used to be curious to see how he would embody the function and produce the soul of Kannappa to life.

 *Q: What variations did you expertise shifting from TV to Cinema?* 

Whereas I’m recognized for my TV work, I’ve additionally produced three English-language movies. So, the cinema wasn’t new to me. Actually, most of the TV tasks I directed have been grander than some movies.

The primary distinction is within the preparation. TV productions are fast-paced and lack preparation time, whereas cinema permits ample time for planning. I formally joined Kannappa in January, and we began filming on October 4th—my birthday.

 *Q: The movie options a number of Pan-India stars. How did you handle that ensemble?* 

That was one of the vital thrilling features of the mission. Surprisingly, I discovered managing tv actors tougher than movie stars.

The movie stars—Mohan Babu, Vishnu, Prabhas, and others—aren’t simply stars; they’re disciplined and passionate professionals. Initially, there have been challenges. I’ve a behavior of exchanging detailed scene notes with actors, and as soon as we established that rhythm, issues fell into place.

Mohan Babu garu, particularly, is a unique type of actor. He’s extraordinarily centered, honest, and brings unmatched vitality and aura to the display screen.

 *Q: Was the movie shot solely in Telugu?* 

The Kailasam portion was shot in Telugu. The scenes that includes Lord Shiva and Parvati have been filmed in each Telugu and Hindi, and we dubbed the movie into different languages for wider attain.

 *Q: Did you watch earlier movies based mostly on Kannappa?* 

Sure, I watched all of them. They have been all inspirational. At instances, I used to be anxious about whether or not I may do justice to such a revered story. Vishnu additionally had doubts about matching the legacy of these iconic portrayals. However once you watch the ultimate hour of our movie, I imagine you’ll be amazed by his efficiency.

 *Q: Are you able to inform us in regards to the work of the artwork division?* 

Our artwork director Chinna did thorough analysis. We additionally introduced in technicians from Mumbai and Los Angeles. My assistant administrators visited museums to review historical weapons.

Although we initially deliberate to shoot in New Zealand for simply 20 days, the places have been so excellent that we ended up taking pictures many of the movie there. 80% of the movie was shot on actual places, whereas Akshay Kumar and Prabhas’ scenes have been filmed in India. Price range was by no means a constraint—Vishnu ensured we had all the things wanted.

 *Q: What’s the scope of Prabhas’s function within the movie?* 

Each character in Kannappa has depth and impression. There aren’t any filler roles. Be it Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, or Prabhas—every character provides momentum and that means to the story.

Prabhas followers won’t be disillusioned. His display screen time is important and well-utilized. After watching the movie, Mohan Babu garu hugged me. That was the largest praise. Even just a few outsiders who previewed the movie gave extraordinarily optimistic suggestions.

 *Q: The censor board urged 13 cuts. What’s your tackle it?* 

The cuts have been urged so the movie may obtain a U or U/A certification. It has some intense motion sequences. We needed an U13 or U ranking, so we made the required modifications.

 *Q: How a lot of the story is fictionalized?* 

The unique story of Kannappa, as present in Periya Puranam, Bhagavata Purana, and Sri Kalahasti Shapatham, is nearly one and a half pages lengthy. We used that as a basis and expanded on it creatively.

To make a 2+ hour movie, we needed to take cinematic liberties. Nevertheless, we remained true to the soul and essence of the story. The construction from the primary scene to the final has a constant emotional and narrative movement.

 *Q: Who supported you in writing the dialogues?* 

I labored with Telugu-speaking assistant administrators and translated all the things myself. Vishnu, Mohan Babu, and some writers additionally contributed to fine-tuning the dialogues.

 *Q: What was the response from Sri Kalahasti monks after watching the movie?* 

We screened the movie for them, as they’re probably the most genuine voices to judge it. Their response was heartening. The very first thing they requested was, “When are you making Half 2?” They informed us that not a single phrase wanted to be modified. That validation was priceless.

 *Q: How did you make sure the story resonated with fashionable audiences?* 

First, I have to make clear: this isn’t a mythological movie. It’s historic. Me and Vishnu mentioned this intimately. Some imagine Kannappa was a tribal. Others assume he was the reincarnation of Arjuna. That’s why there are 20 variations of his story.

At its core, he was the person who donated his eyes—an act of final devotion. That fact wanted to achieve immediately’s technology.

 *Q: Are you engaged on a Mahabharata movie subsequent?* 

Sure, I am planning a cinematic adaptation of Mahabharata. It’s an open topic, and anybody can inform it their method. I’ve immense respect for S.S. Rajamouli, who can also be engaged on a model. After Satyajit Ray, it’s Rajamouli who has actually elevated Indian cinema on the worldwide stage. I’ve already informed the story on tv, however the movie presents a a lot wider canvas.

 *Q: What’s your opinion on utilizing graphics in films immediately?* 

Graphics are evolving quick, however they have to be used properly. In the present day, folks typically over-rely on VFX. The bottom line is to combine actuality with graphics—to boost, not change, the true expertise.

 *Q: A last phrase on Mohan Babu’s function within the movie?* 

Mohan Babu garu performs a job that’s not like something seen earlier than in different variations of Kannappa. He’s an exceptional actor. He’s additionally enjoying the antagonist in Nani’s upcoming movie. His vary and depth will likely be a deal with for audiences.