Exclusive interview: I trembled while filming the first scene in ‘Rangamarthanda’, says Brahmanandam

The Telugu actor says he wants to do significant roles henceforth and is excited about his character in Krishna Vamsi’s upcoming directorial venture.

ByY Sunita

Published Mar 21, 2023 | 9:00 AM ⚊UpdatedMar 23, 2023 | 12:07 PM

brahmanandam ranga marthanda

Actor Brahmanandam in 'Ranga Marthanda'. (director_kv/Titter)

Telugu actor Brahmanandam has been on a long break. Indeed, rumours were rife that the comedian wasn’t getting any projects because he was demanding huge remuneration.

In an exclusive interview with South First, Brahmanandam rubbished all the rumours. Now that he is nearing 70, he says, he craves substantial and impactful roles.

“I don’t want to do anything that brings ignominy. The script should be exciting and push me to go to the sets.”

Right now, the actor is all excited about the release of Rangamarthanda (a title conferred on a skilled theatre artist).

The film marks the comeback of ace director Krishna Vamsi after about seven long years. It depicts the life of a retired theatre actor (played by Prakash Raj) and the generation gap between parents and kids.

In the film, Brahmanandam plays the role of Chakrapani, Prakash Raj’s friend. “Krishna Vamsi felt that only I could do justice to the character,” he smiles smugly.

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A remake of the Marathi film Natasamrat (2016) starring Nana Patekar, Rangamarthanda casts Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam, Ramya Krishnan, Vamsi Chaganti, Shivatmika Rajashekar, and Anasuya Bharadwaj in key roles.

Ilaiyaraaja composed the music for the flick. It is hitting the big screens on 22 March.

On his role in Ranga Marthanda

Brahmanandam recollected how director Ramgopal Varma’s Money (1993) changed his image at a crucial juncture in his career. For him, Rangamarthanda shares the same space.

A lot of directors have been applauding his work in the upcoming movie and the comedian’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing ever since a preview of Rangamarthanda was screened recently for a select few.

“Since I am doing this film after a long gap, I trembled in the first scene on stage. All I had to do was stand and stare at the audience. Whenever people looked at me, they started laughing but I kept staring at them,” the actor recalls.

ranga mathanda telugu movie

Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, and Brahmanandam in ‘Ranga Marthanda’. (RajaShyamalaEnt/Twitter)

In the next scene, the comedian had to deliver a few dialogues. “I had to behave and restrain from making any small gestures that would ruin the mood,” he says, in a matter-of-fact tone.

Brahmanandam’s dialogues in Rangamarthanda were heartwarming and satirical; at times, they were profane and humorous; when there were no dialogues, his eyes did the talking!

“Late lyricist Sirivennala Sitarama Sastry told me that he could write about 10 lines on each of my eye expressions. Writer Satyanand said I surpassed myself in acting this time by creating a new set of expressions. I felt truly humbled by their love,” the actor says, teary-eyed.

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The comedian says he was quite aware that a lot of audiences might find his dialogues in Rangamarthanda distasteful.

“While shooting the scenes, I was pretty scared to utter those dialogues, fearing a backlash from the audience after the film hits the theatres. But Krishna Vamsi convinced me that when in a stupor, a man talks only that way!”

His take on criticism

Brahmanandam isn’t bothered about people’s remarks and criticism.

“I have done so many films that you might get tired listing them out. But what if I’m bored with what I’ve been doing all these years? Hence, I resolved to put a full stop to monotony and stereotyped characters,” he clarifies.

Given his age and the number of films he did, he said he feels the necessity to preserve his dignity and sanity.

ranga marthanda poster

A poster of ‘Ranga Marthanda’. (director_kv/Twitter)

“I’m okay if people criticise my acting skills. But I can’t take it if they criticise me for my roles. So, it took time for me to say ‘yes’ to Rangamarthanda,” the actor asserts.

When asked about the criticism pouring in on social media, he asserted that it is not netizens’ fault to express their opinions on social media. However, Brahmanandam says that he wanted to be careful about his choices.

“I have made enough money. I am in good health and at the peak of my career. I can’t commit a mistake, erase my hard work and start afresh.”

‘I’m a conscious actor’

Brahmanandam says he’s always conscious about what he does on screen.

For instance, he never smoked in the 1,254 films he has been part of. Chiranjeevi’s 1993-released Muta Mesthri (a supervisor of coolies) was an exception though. In the action drama, he holds a beedi for a second and throws it away.

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“Whether it is a chandelier you buy for your home or the films you are part of, I believe it should be a matter of pride and happiness,” the actor quips.

He also recalled an instance when his father warned him against doing anything that would hurt his fans and audiences. “I am satisfied with what I achieved and what I’m today,” he signs off.

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