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'Varadanayaka is pure entertainment'
Chiranjeevi Sarja, an upcoming Kannada actor, resembles his actor uncle Arjun Sarja. Chiru, as he is popularly known, has acted in just four films in the last five years and is still considered a newbie as his career is yet to take-off.
His last film Dandam Dashagunam, opposite Ramya, was a remake of the Tamil hit Khaaka Khaaka, and released more than 20 months back.
His fifth film, Varadanayaka, is hitting the screens across Karnataka this Friday, January 25.
Varadanayaka, a remake of the Telugu hit Lakshyam, has been in the making for close to two years. It has a big star cast: Sudeep, Sameera Reddy, Nikesha Patel, Mukhyamantri Chandru, Ravishankar, Shobhraj, Sharath Lohitaswa, Padmaja Rao and Sharan. The film is produced by Shankare Gowda and directed by Aiyappa Sharma.
In this interview, Chiranjeevi Sarja talks about his latest release and his association with the forthcoming Celebrity Cricket League.
What is Varadanayaka all about?
The film is a remake of the Telugu film Lakshyam. But we have tweaked the story to suit our audience. It has a big star cast. I should say the film was made with a lot of dedication and love.
Why was the release of the film delayed so much?
The film got delayed because of the star cast. A lot of co-ordination was required at the production level. It was difficult if even one actor was absent or was unable to allot dates since the film needed all of them in combination scenes that were being shot.'Sudeep is like family to me'
Why is there such a long gap after your last release?
It was more because of the situation that was not in my control. As I said earlier, this film involved a lot of co-ordination of artistes' dates. I didn't sign any other film because I believe in doing only one project at a time.
What is your association with Sudeep who has said that he acted in this movie for your sake?
I have known Sudeep for many years, even before I began my career as an actor. Sudeep is like family to me. He has been like a brother to me and he has done this film for me.
What is your role in Varadanayaka?
I play a college student who is kind of a brat. He is loved by everyone.
Sudeep has repeatedly said it is your film and that he is only making a special appearance. How long is his role in the movie?
Sudeep is present in 75 per cent of the movie. He plays my elder brother in the movie.
'I consult my uncle, Arjun Sarja before I sign any movie'
How was it to work with Sudeep, Sameera Reddy and Nikesha Patel?
Though I have known Sudeep for many years, this is the first time I have shared screen space with him. Initially, I was quite scared. He is a great actor but he made me comfortable.
Whenever we used to have combination scenes, he used to show me different ways of acting or reacting. I felt I was in his company and not really doing a scene.
Sameera and Nikesha are so professional. It was such a pleasure working with them. It was also fun.
And the director Aiyappa Sharma?
He made me feel proud of my performance. He was very particular about how I should do a scene. He has a mind of his own. He never got distracted from what he wanted.
It is rumoured that your uncle, Arjun Sarja, was unhappy with you for not listening to him about the scripts that you chose and the kind of work you were doing. Is it true?
I came to know about this aspect only now. There is nothing of that sort between me and my uncle. I consult my uncle before I sign any movie as he has been working as an actor for the last 25 years.
There is an understanding between the two of us, but at the end of the day, I have to decide whether I want to do a film. It's my decision. He will not say no to me if I like a script and my role in a film.
My uncle has been supportive of whatever I do. Yes, I do take advice from him.
'I am really proud of my brother Dhruva Sarja'
Why have you chosen to do remakes again after Varadanayaka? Weren't there any original stories narrated to you?
I am doing Whistle and Ajith that are also remakes. I liked the scripts and the characters. I feel I can do justice to my roles and justify my presence.
I was not convinced with the original scripts. I should feel confident and my presence should be justified when a role is offered to me.
What can the audiences expect from Varadanayaka?
It is pure entertainment and total paisa vasool.
What do you have to say about your brother Dhruva Sarja's success in his first film Addhuri?
As his brother I am really proud of him. I appreciate his hard work and dedication and that has paid off with Addhuri becoming a big hit.
'Celebrity Cricket League is a opportunity to meet so many people'
What kind of preparation have you been doing for the forthcoming Celebrity Cricket League?
We have been practising for the last two-and-a-half months. We are up in the morning by 5 am to start practising. If you ask me why only in the last two months, I would say we are not regular cricketers and we are busy during the remaining months. We also need time to come into your own.
I do think practice is required to attain fitness and to loosen one's body. Playing cricket is a great stress buster. It is a great opportunity to meet so many people and actors from other film industries.
Who is coaching you and looking after your fitness levels? What is Sudeep's contribution as captain of the team?
We are being trained by G K Anil Kumar and our physio is Ramakanth. Sudeep has been encouraging and motivating all of us to become more confident in whatever we are doing. He has been pushing us to perform better.