Superstar Mahesh Babu On His New Ambitious Patriotic Film Bharat Ane Nenu

Bharat Ane Nenu shows you speaking up as the nation’s conscience what prompted you to take up the role of a social crusader?

I think we are at that stage of life  in our country where it has become very important for each one us to have a national conscience, social sensitivity and certain amount of strength to speak. And cinema is a great medium to do that. I am not trying to force social responsibility on the audience but definitely trying to give a perspective. That is something we need the most. Bharat Ane Nenu is a film that will make way for you to think a certain way, a good way.

Bur should actors raise issues in their films ? do you believe you can use your power as a star to change social prejudices and eradicate corruption?

Why not! I think it is all about the content. Entertainment or infotainment, if you give the audience the content the way want to watch it, that’s gonna help in some way or the other to bring about awareness or change. Both equally helpful for the society. And I don’t believe that I can change everything or eradicate anything with a film or two. But I want to give a perspective. That is what we have tried to do with Bharat Ane Nenu.

Would you consider joining politics to further use your stardom for socio-political reform?

No. Politics is not an option for me. I just want to tell good stories. Entertain the audience as well as give a social message as and when I can.

After so many years of acting, what would you like your audience to take away from your cinema?

I want my audience to go back home with a sense of contentment. The money they have invested to come and see me must not go waste. That’s the only thing that runs through my mind every time I choose a film.

How do you look at the variety of films from Baahubali to Arjun Reddy being made in Telugu cinema?

It’s great that Telugu cinema with such varied  diverse and relevant subjects  are evolving an such a  magnitude. Baahubali andArjun Reddy are two contrasting films that I personally loved a lot. Stories are changing, the narration is changing and the audience is liking it. It’s a win-win thing. I think it is great.

Tell me about your future plans your next film? When do we see you turn director?

Well, the next film has not yet started. It will most likely start in June this year, the film is produced by Ashwini Dutt and DilRaju . As for direction, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. I’m enjoying acting immensely right now. Getting into direction might happen much later.