Chiranjeevi Sarja believes that if you are able to conquer something without any risk, the triumph is sans any glory. And he does not seem to relish such a victory. So, when KM Chaitanya narrated the story of Aatagara to the upcoming star of Sandalwood, Chiranjeevi found what he values, a challenge to move away from the usual cliches to try something different.
He took on the portrayal of a character in a film whose USP is an ensemble cast. “This release is little special for me, mainly because it is releasing on the auspicious day of Varamahalakshmi and most importantly, my character has a certain intensity attached, which will lend a new shade to my portfolio,” says the actor.
As for being part of an ensemble cast, Chiranjeevi says that the moment he heard the script, he was game. “I became completely engrossed in the subject. Likewise, I am sure even the audience will like the treatment of the film, since it is not the run-of-the-mill script with a hero, a heroine and a villain,” he emphasises and adds that the film however does not lose its commercial or entertainment elements, through an untold love story. “I am sure people will be at the edge of their seats with anticipation,” he says.
According to the actor, though there are 10 characters from different milieus, what happens when they come together in one house is the theme of the film and the good part of the whole shooting experience was that there was no scope for any animosity or jealousy among the stars. “Everybody knew each other’s character and the duration they will stay on screen. The significance of each character was also no secret,” he says. Hoping for a change in every film he does, Chiranjeevi wants his audience to also think on the same lines. “I may sound selfish, but when the audience thinks about me, they should feel that I can act in any role. Aatagara might give the audience, a reason to think in those lines,” he says.
Chiranjeevi on Co-stArs
Director KM Chaitanya - Fun loving person and very cool headed director. Open to suggestions
Producer Yogi - An uncompromising producer and a darling
Meghana Raj - Extremely talented actor and a close friend
Parul Yadav - Very ambitious and a dreamer. A hard working person
Anu Prabhakar - A senior professional actor who knows her work. Personally, my athe.
Prakash Belawadi - A teacher who will selflessly guide. Also a cheerful person to hangout with
Sadhu Kokila - Comedy king. He improvises any kind of situation and turns it into a brilliant comedy. A very good actor to work with.
Achyuth Kumar - Very intense actor and a thorough professional. A soft-hearted person
Balaji Manohar - A very hardworking actor and a big, lovable brat
Pavana - A dreamer and a talkative boy. Drinks a lot of milk
Arohita Gowda - A cute girl who takes suggestions. Personally, she calls him Anna
Anant Nag - A versatile actor, he can act through his eyes. It was a dream to meet him in person
Ravi Shankar - A complete actor and a gentleman