Andhari dhukanalu nadavali, nadhi baaga nadavali
Venu Madhav, one of Telugu cinema’s most versatile actors for whom the shift from a comedian to a comedy-hero in Bhookailas seems to have been a cakewalk, believes that there is enough place for every one in the industry and hopes to see some healthy competition. Andhari dhukaanalu nadavaali, na dhukaanam baaga nadavaali tells Venu Madhav on the occasion of his film’s release.
The actor says he owes his success to the vast variety of stories being churned out by writers. He says, “I’m here because of the absence of monotony. The mindset of the audience is also changing, the filmmakers have realised the importance of entertainment. Mark my words you can make a film without a comedian but not without comedy. Records show that films without entertainment have failed miserably. Be it Shankardada MBBS or Dhee, comedy has dominated in every aspect.”
Ask him if he is drawing a pay packet that is next only to Vadivelu the Tamil comedian and the actor retorts, “My first job was at the Telugu Desam Legislature Party Office and I drew a salary of Rs. 800 and after that it remained static at Rs. 1100. I consider every penny I have earned after that as merely a bonus. I don’t draw such huge pay packets, what ever I get I give it to my mother and she takes pride in it. The other day she said, ‘Everyone earns money but this money you are giving me is precious because it’s come out of entertaining people.’”
About the camaraderie amongst the comedians in the industry, Venu says “No where else in the south do you see comedians speaking to each other over the phone, visiting each others homes and a prevalence of a pleasant work culture. It happens here only in Andhra and I’m proud to be an actor from this industry.” Venu Madhav had earlier stated that after Hungama, he would not act as a hero. Ask him what made him change his decision he says, “It’s the writer’s greatness. They came up with a fantastic track and I couldn’t say no. Here after I will work as a hero in any film that has a novel story.”
About Bhookailas which released on Friday, Venu Madhav says is going to make your tummy ache. You will have one hour forty five minutes of non-stop entertainment and only ten minutes of sentiment. It’s about the predicament faced by a milk man who earns crores by selling his land. How his attitude changes after the new-found wealth forms the crux of the story.” The actor signs off with a message from the film, ‘Thalli ni nammukunna vadu bhoomini ammukoodadhu.’
