Director Merlapaka Gandhi interview

After the super hit movies, "Run Raja Run" and "Malli Malli Idhi Raani Roju",  young and energetic star, Sharwanand is working with the successful director, Merlapaka Gandhi in "Express Raja", produced by Vamsi & Pramod under UV Creations, a successful banner which has presented many entertainers like "Mirchi", "Run Raja Run", "Jill" and "Bhale Bhale Magadivoy."

The movie will be released on Sankranthi i.e. on 14th Jan. Merlapaki Gandhi director of the movie attended a press meet held...

The title sounds interesting...what is the reason behind selecting Express Raja title? 

The hero is a racer. His idea's and the way he deals any matter is speed hence the title "Express Raja".Everyone opined that title is catchy and interesting.

Can you tell us about the storyline?
It's a love story. In Vizag city, a survey will be conducted to find out the most useless guy in the city where our hero stands in the 1st place and Prabhas Srinu stands 2nd where they shamelessly argue about 1st place in the police station. Posani acted as a Police officer. The movie is a good entertainer which unveils a twist for every 15-20 minutes and for every 15 minutes, a new character, linked to hero enters the screen and their entry is picturised interestingly.

Movies like "Dictator", "Naanaku Prematho" and "Soggade Chinni Nayana" are ready for release...is this the good time to release your movie? 

Any movie released during Sankranthi will get a good response. This movie has good content which made producers very confident about it. So we have decided to release the movie on Sankranthi.

Have you written specifically for Sharwanand or is by choice after writing the story?
The story was written first and then I have noticed a different angle of Sharwanand in "Run Raja Run". He is so fresh and energetic. I felt he is suitable for this role and approached him for narrating the story. He liked it and now the movie is on sets.

What is the role of Sharwanand?
Sharwanand is a great artist, we have tried a different role in this movie, something really commercial like songs, fights, and dialogues. I hope this film will be the greatest success in his career.

Can you tell us about heroine Surabhi?
Surabhi is apt for this movie. She is playing the character Amulya, a college student who can't just tolerate cheating.  
She has a fight in the movie.

What are the highlights of Express Raja?
It's a fun and love entertainer. Saptagiri's character is very new. Supreeth, Harish Utaman, Shakalaka Shankar characters are going to be really new. Movie's screenplay will be similar to the "Vantage point".

Can you brief about UV Creations?
It's one of the best production house in Tollywood and whosoever working with it will get attached. The way they treat the people, their dedication towards work and movies is fabulous. It's a good experience and luck to work with UV Creations and my next project is also from the same house.

Can you tell us about your personal life?
I'm married to Sushma, who is my friend since 8th standard and I proposed her in B.Tech and now we have a daughter Lipi.It's a sweet family.

Your father is a great writer...what kind of suggestions or help you take from him?
My dad is a famous writer and he narrates me many stories. We are different in our ideas as I usually prefer entertainment where my dad wants me to include romance too. He agreed to my idea after watching "Venkatadri Express" but I will consult him before finalizing every story.

Have Prabhas and Ram Charan watched your movie?
Yes. They indeed enjoyed a lot and said it will be a successful movie.
 

Finally, when are you going to direct with big heroes?

I'm 27 now and I got bright future ahead. I will consult star heroes and big production house once I write good stories.