Sri Simha Koduri: Bhaag Saale is purely meant to entertain; comedies enjoy universal appeal | Exclusive

Born in a family of several heavy weights, Sri Simha Koduri, the younger son to Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani, who debuted with Mathu Vadalara, is gradually cementing his position among audiences for his distinct script choices. After dabbling with a thriller comedy, rom-com and survival thriller, he shifts his focus to a crime comedy, Bhaag Saale, directed by Pranith Bramandapally, releasing this weekend. In a chat with OTTplay.com, he expresses confidence about its box office prospects.

The decision to do consecutive concept-driven films, picking Bhaag Saale:

The decision to do consecutive concept-based films is a mere coincidence. I listen to a script and see if I’m entertained first. I check if I have enjoyed the two hour narration the director has given and I don’t try to analyse if it’s concept-based or unique. Bhaag Saale is purely meant for entertainment, there’s no aim to drive any messages or tell anything emotional.

It’s a light-hearted film made for viewers to enjoy with their friends and family. We’ve organised multiple shows of the film already and the response is exactly what we’ve expected. We’re quite confident. The filming commenced last year but he narrated the script much before. Owing to other commitments - Dongalunnaru Jagratha, Tellavarithe Guruvaram - the shoot got delayed.

The difficulty of creating a path for yourself while being an industry kid:

There is difficulty and there are advantages as well. I can’t deny the perks I get out of my exposure to the industry. At the same time, it tends to become a baggage too. I try my best to balance both.

Of family matters and their involvement in his films:

My brother Kaala Bhairava’s presence in my films has been the choice of my directors. For Bhaag Saale, he came on board before me. It’s an advantage because it gives us an opportunity to discuss the film even back home. I make my own decisions but I read out the script to my father (MM Keeravaani) and ask for any doubts occasionally.

I don’t think I’ve evolved as much as an actor to expect a role in an SS Rajamouli (his uncle) film. My family liked the trailer, teaser of Bhaag Saale. They discuss every filmof mine in detail for an hour after watching it and give opinions across all dimensions. However, the decision to say yes or no to a film is totally mine; my family has no say in it.

The USP of Pranith Bramandapally as a storyteller:

Pranith Bramandapally as a director is quick to adapt to the situation; he writes at an impressive pace and provides a lot of options for shoots. He always looks to add a new flavour to every scene and he isn’t satisfied very easily. He’s offered 15 versions of every scene. The story has multiple characters and can unfold in many directions; he has explored every such path and chose the best for the shoot.

On exploring comedy again in Bhaag Saale:

I’ve done comedy films before but none of my characters do comedy - in both Mathu Vadalara and Tellavarithe Guruvaram, the humour lies in the situation. In Bhaag Saale, the protagonist is genuinely funny. Only some audiences enjoy action, romance, horror but the reach of comedy is universal. I want to explore different genres with every project and get a better idea of my strengths.

The challenges of shooting in live locations for Bhaag Saale:

Bhaag Saale is a contemporary story and is loaded with chases. We didn’t want to shoot in a studio or in a set. We explored old city, Alwal for shoot and filmed the sequences in live locations amidst crowds, placing the cameras in balconies, terraces. Some were too conscious of the camera angles, began looking into the camera and we had to go for retakes. They weren’t trained junior artistes and hence these constraints were unavoidable. However, it has helped us come up with lively, natural chases.

Looking back at his previous films - what worked and what didn’t?

All my directors have executed what they’ve said and have translated their script onto the big screen. There are several reasons why films don’t do well and one can’t attribute it to a single factor alone. However, I’m trying to learn from each experience and understand audience tastes. We were very excited about Dongalunnaru Jagratha; it was a niche film but it didn’t appeal to all audiences.

On starting as a child actor, experiences as an AD, making progress in the industry:

I didn’t have clarity or the confidence to become an actor in childhood (Maryada Ramanna, Yama Donga). Because the atmosphere in our house revolved around films, I went onto act in it and began to like it more. I’m happy with (grateful for) the progress I’ve made in the industry. Working as the AD of Rangasthalam was helpful and I got to observe all departments. I gave positions to Ram Charan, got used to being on sets and these experiences have helped me as a director.

From your understanding, what pulls viewers to theatres?

The story, trailer and teaser should create interest; it’ll naturally prompt crowds to watch the film in theatres. I’ve never got a response for a trailer as much as Bhaag Saale in the recent times; the KCR dialogue in particular. The word of mouth takes over after release, just like the recent hit Samajavaragamana.

For someone who’s looking to gain a foothold in the industry, how do you ensure that things don’t go astray with newcomers?

In all my films, I’ve been lucky to get experienced producers - Mythri Movie Makers, Sai Korrapati, Suresh Productions. They made sure we did our homework well before we went ahead with the shoot - the planning, from the locations to the shoot duration, was pitch perfect. Even with Mathu Vadalara, the producers made us shoot a demo, and promised to go ahead only if they liked it.

What’s next?

As an actor, I’m looking to do more character-driven stories and am keen on building a base for myself. My next, Ustaad is an interesting mix between character and concept-driven cinema. The film, titled after a bike, revolves around Surya (and his journey with his bike). It’s an inspiring story. I heard Ustaad too before the lockdown and it’ll be releasing this August.