Naresh - More than a remake, Martin Luther King is a politically relevant film

After a flurry of hits in recent months, Malli Pelli, Samajavaragmana, Intinti Ramayanam and the OTT film The Great Indian Suicide, veteran VK Naresh will be next seen in Sampoornesh Babu starrer Martin Luther King. The political satire, directed by debutant Puja Kolluru, is the Telugu remake of Yogi Babu’s Mandela. C/O Kancharapalem maker Venkatesh Maha is the creative producer.

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Also read: Martin Luther King: Director Venkatesh Maha opens up on Mandela’s Telugu remake 

Ahead of Martin Luther King’s release on October 27, the actor exudes confidence. Pointing out his fruitful association with Venkatesh Maha began with Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, he labels Martin Luther King an entertainer with a message. He’s visibly excited after the response to the early premieres in Nellore, Vijayawada, Vizag, Warangal and Kurnool.

“I am playing the role of a village president who misuses the system using his family name in politics.” Naresh has heard as many as 14 scripts in the last month and is being choosy about his scripts. He said yes to Martin Luther King because of its relevance to the political scenario in the Telugu states. “It was a refreshing experience to work on the film, entirely shot in Ongole. Its strength is the script; both the director and Sampoornesh are sure to receive accolades for their work.”

The team organised workshops with all the 60 actors in the film. Naresh feels the Martin Luther King has broken several filmmaking rules and has a unique flavour. He believes Smaran Sai’s music is an asset to the film. While it is based on the Tamil movie Mandela, the film is also inspired by a few key events in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he adds.

In real life though, Naresh is clear that he has nothing to do with politics now. He prioritised his political career over films for a few years too. Inspired by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he worked extensively in Rayalaseema region and has learnt his lessons. He wants to restrict his messages to films henceforth, naming the legendary SV Ranga Rao as his inspiration.

Also read: Senior actor Naresh opens up on his five-decade tryst with cinema, his intent to produce films, OTT shows in 2022