Om Prakash Rao’s upcoming directorial venture brings two megastars together on screen. The film, titled Ravi Chandra, has Upendra and Ravichandran in the lead. The film also stars Shanvi Srivastava and Nimita Ratnakar with Pradeep Rawat in a negative role.
Spot on
A particular scene of the film is being shot at the Jaymahal Palace and we head there to catch Uppi in action. As we are driving in, loudspeakers announce that we need to get out of the way. So we quietly park in a corner, unseen by the cameras and wait.
Three cars speed up the driveway towards the palace entrance. And three people, including Nimita, get off the car and the girl is whisked away into the palace, which is decked with flowers and lights fit for a wedding.
The same scene is shot three or four times till Om smiles looking at the monitor and applauds his actors.
The scene next shifts to the palace lawn. As the spot boys get to work, Om runs around looking into every aspect. He looks exhausted but keeps his spirits up. Sometimes he sounds like an army colonel with his crisp commands and directions.
Seeking Uppi
We head off to Uppi’s makeup van to catch up with him. The actor walks out with his signature smile. Immediately there is a sudden chaos of fans who want to catch a glimpse of the star. His hair is tamed with hair gel and he is ready to face the camera. Fans flock to take pictures with him and in between, he squeezes time to reveal his role.
“Today’s is a hilarious scene. I pretend to be possessed and visit the villain’s house. He has kidnapped my girl. It is a commercial action film. I have not prepared, I will act impulsively in front of the camera,” he smiles and says as he walks with us towards the lawn.
The action
Everything is for the shoot ready. After a final look at the mirror, Uppi gives the director a thumbs up. The camera rolls, Uppi starts singing ‘Jingle Bells’ with a funny expression on his face.
Om is thrilled, he chuckles and cuts the shot as it is perfect.
The sun is burning down on us and in spite of an umbrella held over Uppi, his face needs a touch up often to look fresh for the camera. Everyone, including Uppi and the director smile throughout ignoring the blistering heat.
Next scene
Soon the hero is surrounded by the villain’s thugs with knives, machetes and iron rods. Each one looks rowdy enough to take over the hero. But Uppi scares the life out of them pretending to be possessed and continues to sing ‘Jingle Bells.’ He suddenly screams out, “Daddy!” and everyone takes a step back in fear.
“Kill him,” shout the goons. Uppi makes a funny face demanding, “how can you kill a dead man?” and everyone is stumped.
Again Om and the crew chuckle. Next, they shoot the same scene with Uppi’s close-ups. He smiles throughout and complies with every command from the director.
The winter sun is beating down on us and the temporary shelters don’t seem to help.
Checkmate
Uppi next checks his works on the monitor. He finds a few faults and wants a retake.
Om is pleased to comply. Around 4.30 pm Uppi is done for the day. He smiles, waves and leaves.
The director calls the next scene to be set up.
He calls the shots
“This film is a remake of the Telugu film, which featured Prakash Rai. That character is being depicted by Ravichandran in the Kannada version. We wanted a team that would appeal to the classes and the masses. In the original script, they are paired as father and son. I however, decided to cast them as brothers,” shares the director.
A monthly column that takes us behind the scenes
