Mahesh Babu’s Film Triggers A Movement

Maharshi,  the  new  Mahesh Babu starrer  is looking at shattering all previous records  in Telugu cinema.

And  for the first time, Mahesh is celebrating.

He is at  a promotional event with his  director Vamshi  Paidipally when I catch him for  a  conversation.

Sounding happy Mahesh Babu says,  “The  numbers (at  the  boxoffice) have surprised  us. They’re far bigger than we imagined. The message  of going back to our roots and  to give farming and farmers  the respect they deserve  has hit home , I  guess.”

So is  Maharshi going to be Mahesh Babu’s biggest film to date?

“It could be. I’d like it to be. And it’s showing every sign of breaking my own records.I’ve to admit I  am  very happy and relieved. When  the initial reviews  came out, my director and I were  disappointed. The critics didn’t seem  to get the point.We didn’t make this film only to entertain.  We also wanted the message  of reclaiming our agricultural heritage to come through.And it has, in spite  of the discouraging reviews,” says Mahesh as he thanks all  his fans and well-wishers  through this  interview.

What  is  the one  big lesson  that  he has learnt  from the Maharshi experience? “You  mean, besides  the message  that the script conveys?   Beyond that I’ve learnt how important it  us for me to go out there and tell my audience why they need  to see a film. It isn’t enough to just make  a good film. You have to  promote it.  It’s like getting your feet in the  soil to understand what  farming  is all about. You have  to be out in the field   to  convince  people. So I’velearnt to be more accessible to  the public.”

Mahesh says he  had full faith  in the subject. “We had set out to tell a  story in all sincerity. When I  heard  the subject two years ago I  was  completely hooked. I  knew I had to do this film .It meant a  lot to me.And  I am glad it means  a lot to  my audience.I am grateful to  the audience for embracing  the  idea of reclaiming  our  heritage.”

Mahesh Babu  wants his  cinema to  reflect a  socio-cultural  reality. “I  think cinema is a  very important tool of statement and reform.Why not use  it properly?”
And yes,  another film with  the Maharshi director Vamshi Paidipally is in the  offing.