Jagapati waiting for the right script

Hyderabad, Feb 14 (IANS) Telugu star Jagapati Babu, who bounced back into the reckoning with back-to-back hits "Saamaanyudu" and "Pellaina Kottalo", is not in a hurry to cash in on his newfound success.

"I always preferred to wait for the right project. I will wait for the right script, producer and director. Until I find them, let me savour my latest success," Jagapati told IANS.

The actor, whose recent releases were made on moderate budgets, says big-budget films cannot guarantee success.

"It's the script that makes the difference. Good plots remain the soul of every successful film and the budgets are secondary."

Excerpts from an exclusive chat:

How do you feel about delivering back-to-back hits after a string of duds?

Success is bound to give you happiness and two hits in a row enthralled me. My belief in strong scripts has paid dividends yet again. And my confidence in up-and-coming directors stands vindicated. According to me, after the masses, youth are the most loyal audience you can rely upon. And now I can have them as my audience.

Were the themes of the two films different from each other?

Yes. "Saamaanyudu" was meant for the masses, while the other one was targeted at the family audience. But both turned out to be all-round hits, impressing all sections of the audience.

Initially, Madan came up with an action subject but I asked him to prepare a script for family audiences. I was bowled over by his perseverance and commitment and did "Pellaina Kottalo". Similarly, Ravi's passion prompted me to do "Saamaanyudu".

While most of the big budget films are bombing, two of your films, made on moderate budgets, have worked wonders.

I reiterate that big budgets cannot guarantee success. It's the script that makes the difference. Good plots remain the soul of every successful film and the budgets are secondary.

Though it is not my job, I do insist that my producers keep a check on the budget of my films because I don't want my producer to go bankrupt.

Unlike Hindi cinema, why aren't multi-starrer films popular in Telugu?

Primarily, it is because of the fans. I have done some multi-hero films but I have never tried to shorten the role of my co-stars. I did "Sandade Sandadi" and it was remade in Hindi with Sanjay Dutt, who played a role done by comedian Kovai Sarala in the original. Sanjay is a good artist.

Why haven't you tried to cash in on the success by signing more films?

Even when I was going through a lean patch, I didn't do films in a hurry. So why should I rush during a good phase? I am yet to sign any new film. Recently, an old man asked me when I would deliver my next hit. It shows viewers are expecting another successful film from me.

I will wait for the right script, producer and director. Until I find them, let me savour my latest success.

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Pellaina Kottalo