The audio launch of superstars Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer, ‘Robot’ in Telugu was a star-studded affair what with the who’s who of Tollywood in attendance to show support and catch the first look of the big budget film.
Touted to be Asia’s costliest film, which has been produced by Sun Pictures and set to release in September, is already making waves. “The audio of the film has gained the top slot on iTunes, the first for an Indian film,” beamed director Shankar.
Veteren producer D Ramanaidu, Sun Pictures CEO Hansraj Saxena and Ramesh Prasad of Prasad Group showered praises on the technical brilliance of the film. “This is the Indian ‘Avatar’. It cannot get bigger than this,” said Ramesh Prasad adding, “We had the largest attendance at Prasads in the world when ‘Avatar’ released. This is testimony to the fact that Telugus are lovers of good cinema.”
Dialogue-writer Ramakrishna and lyricists Bhuvanachandra, Ashok Teja and Vanamali also spoke about their experiences on working with director Shankar.
“The only difference between a ‘Robot’ and a man is that the former has no power of discretion. What if he has? Shankar has explored this exciting premise in this film,” said lyricist Bhuvana Chandra.
While Tollywood superstar Mohanbabu released the first trailer, Chiranjeevi released the audio of the film. “I am grateful to producer Kalanidhi Maran without whom this project would not have been possible,” said Rajnikanth adding, “When there were fears that the movie would stop midway, only I know how people laughed at me.”
The superstar said that when first approached by Shankar, he wanted to turn down the offer as he presumed he would be asked to play the role of the villain. “I was taken aback when he said I will play the lead role,” said Rajni adding, “I told him that at this age, I cannot have a six-pack. He, however, assured me that just my presence is enough and that he would take care of everything else.” The actor also said that the film would be a ‘celebration in the theatre.’
“A man who talks about himself is a comedian. A man who wants others to fail is a villain while a man who wants himself as well as others to prosper is a hero. So let the audience decide the merits of the film,” said Rajnikanth who earlier drew peals of laughter when he addressed Mohanbabu as an ‘ex-Mp and ex-hero.”
Aishwarya Rai was conspicuous by her absence, although the gorgeous actress sent a message thanking the people of Andhra Pradesh for their support throughout her career. Aishwarya also showered praises on director Shankar for ‘pushing the envelope of commercial cinema’ and said that only he is capable of making such ‘magnificient films.’
Director Shankar thanked producer Dayanidhi Maran for keeping faith in him and the project and said that the technicians in the film have helped shaped the project on par with international standards.
“Some said that our sets resembled a Stanley Kubrick film. We also got our costumes done by people who worked in ‘Men in Black’,” said the ace director adding, “We have around 1,500 special effects in the film.”
Actor tuned politician Chiranjeevi was also all praises for the director and in a lighter vein added that Shankar would never cast him as unlike Rajnikanth he did not have a market across India and South East Asia.
“For the first time, I am feeling jealous as an artist,” said Chiranjeevi adding that he wanted to act under Shnakar’s direction ever since the director’s first film Gentleman. “Rajnikanth has been a dear friend but he has cheated me this time,” he said adding “I thought he would quit films. So I went ahead and joined politics while he did ‘Robot’. This is not fair,” he said and everybody including Rajnikanth burst out laughing.
Chiranjeevi also did not rule out acting in the near future.
