Saturday Aug 16 2008, Bangalore

I do believe in Black magic: Sudeep

Getting a chance to act in a Ram Gopal Varma film is no small thing for a young actor.And for Kannada actor Sudeep, Lady Luck seems to have been too generous.He’s not only the hero in Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Phoonk’, scheduled to hit screens worldwide on August 22, but he has also bagged a role in RGV’s next film, slated to start by the end of the year.Here’s Sudeep in chat with Filmysouth about ‘Phoonk’, his future plans et al.

Q.After a very long gap of time you are back with a hit in 'Mussanje Maathu'.How does it feel?

A.I really loved 'Mussanje Maathu'.I knew right from the beginning that I don't have much to do in the entire film except in the last twenty minutes.And hence I just wanted to make my presence felt.So, I went on for a crash diet so that I look different for my role in the film.If we are given a good chance, then acting comes from inside…automatically.I really feel elated about the fact that the audience has liked the film and particularly my role in it.

Q.You’ve had three releases this year.But before that there was a long gap.Why so?

A.After 'No.72 Shanthi Nivasa’ I thought of taking a short break.Though I got many offers, I was quite skeptical about accepting all of them.I just did 'Mathadu Mathadu Mallige' in order to act with Dr.Vishnuvardhan and nothing else.

Q.What happened to your project of remaking 'Thavamai Thavamirindu' in Kannada?

A.I’d really love to remake 'Thavamai Thavamirindu' in Kannada.
I have bought the remake rights for a huge amount just for the sake of Dr.Vishnuvardhan since I feel that he is the only apt person for the role of the father.Though I am ready to play the role of the son, he is not interested in the role of the father.That's why I have shelved the project for the time being.If at all I do the film, it will be with him and I will not do the film with anybody else.

Q.Well how did you manage to get a chance in a Ram Gopal Varma film?

A.I had gone to Mumbai a couple of years back to meet him to acquire the rights of 'Sarkar'.That was our first meeting.He had then told me that he wanted to work with me then itself.
Anyway, when he got the idea of 'Phoonk', it seems he had me in mind.Any actor would love to work with a director like Varma and when he approached me for the role I readily agreed and that's how I am in the film.It was a fantastic experience working with him.I might do another film with him, towards the end of this year.

Q.As ‘Phoonk’ is all about Black Magic, tell us something.Do you believe in Black Magic?

A.Ya, I do believe in Black magic.Right now I am the best example for people who have started believing in all that stuff (Laughs).

Q.Your forthcoming film 'Veera Madakari' has raked in controversies just before its launch.How do you see it?

A.I don’t see any problem in keeping the title of ‘Veera Madakari’.It’s a good title for a good film and nothing else.Even the members of the particular community who had objections have now given the nod of assent for the film.

So, now it’s up the critics and these people who have given their approval to decide whether to keep the title or not.