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'Swamy Ra Ra will be a big turning point for me'
Nikhil Siddhartha made a dream debut with Happy Days, directed by Sekhar Kammula, in 2007. He went on to do seven more films, of which Yuvatha and Veedu Theda had successful runs.
His latest film, Swamy Ra Ra, co-starring Swati and directed by debutant Sudheer Varma, is releasing on March 23.
In this chat with Radhika Rajamani, Nikhil gives us a peek into what Swamy Ra Ra is all about.
How did you come to sign Swamy Ra Ra?
The film falls in the genre of crime comedy. The film is produced by the same producer of my earlier film Veedu Theda which did well at the box office. They wanted to work with me again in another film.
Sudheer Varma was chief assistant director at that time and he narrated two-three scripts. We went with this Swamy Ra Ra.
'I practised pick-pocketing on my family in real life'
The film revolves around a stolen Ganesh idol. Is there a love story woven into it?
The film revolves around the idol which is precious. I play a pickpocket. There are other gangs lead by Ravi Babu and Jeeva who are also behind the idol.
There is a love track where a good girl falls for the bad boy. The song Nee La Evaru shows how the character I play falls in love with the journalist played by Swati. The songs take the love story forward.
Could you elaborate on the role of the pickpocket you play?
The first song is a montage which depicts about 50-60 ways of pick-pocketing. I practised pick-pocketing on my family in real life. I watched videos. I go flick a purse realistically. That leads us into trouble. One can lose one's life also doing this.
You seem to be excited to work with Ravi Babu. What's his role in the film?
He plays a bad person who is after the idol. He is a big director who has made big films. He does quality work. I was in fact, scared to work with him.
I learnt so much working with him. He was always there to give suggestions when asked.
'Sudheer Varma is a very confident director'
How did director Sudheer Varma handle the project?
He has a lot of experience as he has been assistant director and co-director for many films. Besides, he has also done short films. He is very confident.
Sudheer had done his homework, had references and shot division also. So, he had done the pre-planning well and we had to just shoot on the sets. The trailers are slick.
How was it working with Swati?
Swathi plays a journalist. She's like the girl next door.
She's a very team person and she keeps everyone happy. She anchored the audio release. She does anything for the film. For instance, she jumped from the first floor without much safety measures!
Why does Nara Rohith give a voice over in the film?
The producers and I are close to Rohith. He has a good voice and is a well-wisher. So he narrates in the beginning and in the end. He is a hero himself yet he gave us time to do this.
'I've realised that having no expectation is the best'
Does the film got anything to do with religion?
It has nothing to do with religion or bhakti. It's a realistic movie, a believable one. Anyone could fall into this problem.
What are your expectations from this film?
This is my ninth film. I've realised that having no expectation is the best as otherwise one gets disappointed.
Are you nervous about this release?
I am not nervous. It will be a big turning point for me. One and nine are lucky numbers for me. My first film, Happy Days did well. Swamy Ra Ra is my ninth film.