Even as the latest Telugu blockbuster Oopiri, starring Nagarjuna, creates waves across Andhra Pradesh and beyond, news comes that Karan Johar has purchased the rights for the Hindi remake.
Interestingly, Oopiri is a remake of the French film The Intouchables about the warm camaraderie that develops between a wheelchair bound billionaire and his male caretaker.
"I am so glad that Oopiri and its Tamil version Thozha have been so warmly accepted," Nagarjuna says. "We wanted the film to be seen as a celebration of life, and wanted the audience to appreciate the gift of life and to understand how valuable every moment is. We have achieved this. I couldn't ask for more.”
It was Nag's lovely wife Amala who had seen The Intouchables first, and recommended it to her husband.
“Like all good things in my life, Oopiri also happened because of my wife," quips Nag.
Nag says the film's theme must be taken to Hindi audiences. “I am really happy Karan Johar has bought remake rights. Would I be in the Hindi film? I don't know. That's up to Mr Johar. I am just happy to have done the two versions in Telugu and Tamil. Our message has connected with the audience, and that's important for me. After so many years of acting, I need to do work that the audience can take home from a movie theatre."
