Second innings
“My first film Banam got some really good responses. But commercially it wasn’t a success. However, I’m happy that it’s now been released on television.” Banam which released in 2009 was a clean attempt at depicting an idealist’s attempt at purging the system from within. Talking about his role as an ex-naxalite’s son, who wishes to join the police system, Rohith says, “Bhagat was a very straight forward character. There were not many frills to the movie. In fact, Vedika who plays the female lead, is a very good dancer, but she didn’t get to do much because the film itself didn’t have any songs in that sense. It was a crisp straightforward movie.” On the other hand, Solo is a love story, a family entertainer that promises to not only give you more than just its two cents worth, but also a penny for your thoughts.
“Solo is a very honest love story that will appeal to most. The title perhaps on its own, might not make sense, but once you watch the movie, you’ll understand it,” explains the actor. Adds Parasuram, the director of the movie, who is known for his previous ventures Yuvatha and Anjaneyulu, “Love is a very calculated emotion that comes with requirements. There is a lot that has gone into the movie and it isn’t designed like an average love story. There is a lot of intensity and maturity required, and I feel Rohith has brought that to the table very well.”
Competitive Tollywood
Being a new actor, Rohith has a long way to go in terms of establishing himself and fending of competition from the biggies like Mahesh Babu, Rana Daggubati, Junior NTR and the likes. But the man is unfazed and believes in taking things as they come.
“It really isn’t about competing with the others. I compete with myself. I can only better how I act.”
So, does having a political background make the process any easier.
“It definitely does help get things done, especially initially. But, if I want people to sign me, I need to be good enough. So political affiliations only get you so far,” he admits.
Rohith on Rohith
As a self developing actor, Rohith has definitely weighed himself out. Ask him what he thinks is his strongest point and pat comes the reply, “My voice. And also while shooting close up.”
Ask him his weakest, and he takes a little while longer.
“I feel a bit uncomfortable with long shots. It takes me a while to adjust myself to the setting. I’ve gotten better though,” he adds smiling.
From debuting in an unconventional movie without much commercial promise to a love story that hopes to be different, the actor seems to be choosing his risks with much thought.
“I chose the film Solo because I wanted to get close to the audience. My previous film wasn’t a commercial hit because it lacked certain elements in it, like dance numbers and songs and so on. This time around I have tried to incorporate them.”
Going by instinct
Since the release of Banam in 2009, it will be two years once Solo comes out. A long time in between. However, he does have two more projects that will hit the floors soon. Ask him if he has the one-movie-per-year formula in his head and he says, “Not really. I’m not in any hurry. But since it has been two years since my last release, I’d like to keep myself busy now. But ultimately I’ll choose the script only if I like it at the first go.” Following his instinct, how many movies did he pass up on to finally settle on Solo? “I think I chose Solo from about 200 scripts.” Besides just using his instinct in choosing scripts, the actor also doesn’t do much rehearsing before coming on shoot. “I don’t do any homework as such. I think the lesser rehearsed, the better and the more natural the role will be,” he explains.
Instinctive choice or commercial necessity, the movie Solo seems to have all the elements of a good success. However, we’ll know for sure only once it releases on November 25.