I'm bored of old-fashioned love stories: Nagarjuna

When Nagarjuna turned up to promote his upcoming Telugu film, Raju Gari Gadhi 2, the topic much talked about was his appearance. For the first time in his career, he’s shaved off his moustache. Is this how he looks in the film? He laughed and said, “I don’t have shoots for the next three month. So, I wanted to try out something new. I’m also planning to do a photoshoot with this new look. Perhaps some director may like the look? I won’t really mind trying it out in a film.” After a pause, he added with a laugh, “The look seems to be attracting the ladies."

Nagarjuna is looking forward to the release of Raju Gari Gadhi 2 on October 13. Directed by Ohmkar, the film is a remake of the Malayalam horror-comedy, Pretham. “Although we didn't reveal much about the story in the trailer, those who've seen it have said that it feels completely different to other horror films,” he said. “The theme remains the same, but the way Ohmkar has treated it has ensured that the film will not feel like a remake. To me, it is an entirely new film with its quirks and characters.”

Nagarjuna, who plays a mentalist called Rudra in the film, attributes the delay to its VFX work and reshoots. “RGG 2 is rich with visual effects. Director Ohmkar insisted on handing over the VFX work to a Mumbai-based studio, but I told him that Hyderabad is the best place because we have some amazing VFX studios here.” But it seems that  the director stood his ground. “Bollywood studios have a lot of apathy for our cinema and also, some of the scenes had to be shot again,” said the actor. Interestingly, the actor inserted a clause in his agreement that he would dub for the film only if he was content with the final output. “I’m pleased with the final copy and VFX work, and so, have completed my job. I’m eagerly awaiting the release.”

The actor has been essaying some unique roles in his last few films, including Oopiri, Manam and Om Namo Venkatesaya. “I’m having a blast playing such varied characters, and I’m delighted that the audience is accepting all these attempts,” he said. “I’m  really tired of old-fashioned love scripts. I think younger actors are more suited to doing them."

Invariably, the topic shifts to the wedding of his older son, Naga Chaitanya. “Chay and Sam have agreed to get married in both Hindu and Christian traditions. Both ceremonies will take place in Goa between October 6 and October 8,” he said. “It will be a simple wedding with only very close relatives attending it. As Chay and Sam are getting back to work by October 15, I will be organising a lavish reception in Hyderabad for friends and fraternity at N Convention, right after the wedding,” he added.