‘Spyder’ Is a Film I Couldn’t Refuse: Mahesh Babu

The superstar also promises a very “special” film with SS Rajamouli.

Mahesh Babu wants to win over a bigger audience with ‘Spyder’.

(Photo courtesy: Facebook/ urstrulymahesh)

The Quint talks to Mahesh Babu on playing the spy in his upcoming film Spyder, and his plans for the future including a film with SS Rajamouli.

The Quint: You turned 42 in August. What are you thoughts in your 40s when your career is going great guns?

Mahesh Babu: (Smiles) I’m in a good place now in my life and career. Right now my energies are on Spyder’s release .

TQ: Speaking of guns, Spyder seems to be the quintessential guns-and-espionage thriller. How did you hit on this slick idea for a movie?

MB: Murugadoss sir met me at our home a year-and-half ago and said he had a script. I instantly liked it and said yes. I have always wanted to work with him and this was an opportunity I wasn’t going miss. And I didn’t!

TQ: That sounds like an offer you couldn’t refuse.

MB: Oh yes, Spyder is a subject which can be handled only by someone who’s amazing at his craft and there was no one better than Murugadoss sir for it (smiles).

TQ: There are huge expectations riding on Spyder. Do you feel a little anxious when fans expect so much from you?

<b> </b>I’ve said this before - it is a big responsibility towards my fans and I feel anxious and nervous before every release. I want to make good films and have a body of work my fans can be proud of. They will be proud of <i>Spyder </i>as a film. I can say it with confidence.

TQ: Action films have always been your forte... or so your audience believes. Do you agree?

MB: Yes, I do agree. Action has always worked for me... and I enjoy that space too. Spyder is a very special film, especially all the action and stunts need a special mention. Our action director Peter Haynes has done a commendable job. We have two or three great episodes for which we all worked for days on each episode. But why am I telling you this? I’d prefer you go watch it on the big screen rather than me talk about it.

TQ: Do you intend to carry the Spyder character in more movies?

MB: As of now no such plans of a sequel.

Mahesh Babu promotes Spyder in Chennai with the cast and crew. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/ urstrulymahesh)

TQ: The film is a bi-lingual in Tamil and Telugu... are you aiming at expanding your market? If so, why not Hindi cinema?

Yes, it is a bi-lingual. I wouldn’t say it’s about expanding your market, but when you make a big budget film, it only makes sense to do it in more languages to make the numbers work. Besides, Murugadoss sir was confident that his primary market was Tamil and mine Telugu, so we decided it was best we made the film in these two first.

TQ: Nowadays Indian cinema is no longer led by Bollywood films. We have Hollywood films and cinema from the South vying for a pan India audience. Where do you think Spyder fits in to this rapidly changing audience profile ?

MB: Spyder is a film that caters to all types of audience. It’s a crisp, fast-paced thriller.

TQ: Besides an astonishing career of uninterrupted stardom, your untainted image as the perfect family man is also exceptional. What is you recipe for such a successful marriage?

MB: It’s about being happy and content in your work space and family space. I’m truly blessed on both these fronts. God has been kind.

TQ: What are you planning to work in after Spyder?

MB: I am currently working on a film Bharat Ane Nenu directed by Koratala Siva .

TQ: Is it true you are doing a film with Rajamouli? What kind of a film would that be and when would you be doing that film?

Yes Rajamouli sir and I will be working together soon. We still haven’t decided what kind of a film it will be. But it will be special, for sure.