The kuteer set at Ramoji Film City is where scribe-turned-filmmaker Kuchipudi Venkat is shooting for his second directorial venture, John Apparao 40 Plus. He pulled off a casting coup when he signed on Simran to play the heroine opposite comedy actor Krishna Bhagwan. Both were present on location shooting as cinematographer Sameer Tahir checks the light and the director talking to his lead actors while co-directors Anil Kumar Reddy and Sambasiva Rao with a sheaf of papers, wait for the director to finish his briefing so that they can read the scene’s dialogue to the actors.
"I always wanted to make a comedy. But it should offer some novelty," says Venkat. "Usually most movie love stories are of teenage kind. Love, struggle, action and reunion all this high drama happens by the time they reach 20 or at the most 25. After that, there is no scope for any drama in their life. So, I weaved a story around a man who after completing all his family responsibilities feels the need for a companion. By then he turns 40, but feels young at heart," smiles Venkat watching his lead actor Krishna Bhagwan.
After briefing about the dialogues the actors have to deliver, the co-directors withdraw from the shooting arena. Sameer’s camera zooms to catch the cozy twosome locked in a conversation. As we keenly watch them, it is unfolded that the two are not exactly conversing but are testing each other's CQ meaning compatibility quotient. "She is a businesswoman from UK and takes a liking towards this straightforward, witty and honest fashion designer from Vizag. He finds a perfect companion in her. To clear his doubts whether she is in love with him or not and also whether they can make a compatible pair, he invites her for this quiz of 50 questions. For him, even if two or three answers tally it is enough," smiles Venkat.
"Which is the best scam that comes to your mind?" he asks.
"Bofors," she answers.
And his answer is "Ring Road."
A note of disappointment is visible on our hero’s face as the answer did not tally.
"The question and answer session goes on, on those silly lines that include eateries etc. The scene is meant to create fun and there is nothing much to it," reveals the director.
"Simran is an ideal choice for the role. She liked the script and her character so much that she said she is thrilled to act in a role that she hasn’t done before. And Krishna Bhagwan in all his films, generally ends his dialogue with a satirical punch, but here he is at the receiving end," says Venkat.
The director is planning to complete the talkie shoot by October 22 and "next month we will by flying to Hungary to can two songs on the lead pair". Kiran Varanasi composed the music. "Simran is a good dancer. Krishna Bhagwan is a non-dancer. Choreographers Shankar and Babu Yadav composed the steps for him in such a way they create a laugh riot," says Venkat before moving to his cameraman for some consultation.
