We Erected Eight Lavish Sets For Sarkaru Vaari Paata: Art Director AS Prakash

Superstar Mahesh Babu's ambitious film 'Sarkaru Vari Paata' is getting ready for release. Directed by blockbuster director Parasuram, the film is all set to release worldwide on May 12. Star Art Director AS Prakash, who recently worked on Sarileru Neekevvaru was the at director for Sarkaru Vaari Paata as well. Here are some highlights of his interaction with the media. 

What was your first feeling after director Parasuram narrated this story?

When Parashuram first narrated me the story, it seemed like a perfect commercial entertainer. I just told the director that it would be a big action, entertainer and then started working.

How was your work experience with Mahesh Babu?

This is my seventh movie with Mahesh Babu. The atmosphere on the sets used to be healthy and enjoyable. At the same time, the output from the technicians is also excellent. We discussed the songs and action sequences and ensured best output. Mahesh Babu's performance in the movie is next level. If he dances on the set, it will be like a visual treat.

What kind of encouragement did the producers offer?

Cinema is a passion for the producers of Mythri Movie Makers. They produced the movie without compromising anywhere. They did not compromise to provide what the story needs.

Heard there is a big bank set erected for this film. What is so special about this set?

The story of 'Sakaru Vaari Paata' is set against the backdrop of the bank system. The story required three banks. One of them is of fifty years old. We studied and designed the set in a vintage look in Annapurna studios. It comes in flashback. We also laid two other modern bank sets.

What is the importance of art direction?

The art director makes an imagination after the director tells the story. Directors come up with a vision. It is accompanied by Art Director Vision. These visions must be captured by the cameraman.

What is the justification for the film's title?

The justification will be find in the story. You will understand it at the beginning of the movie itself.

What about the other sets?

This is a huge movie. We worked for several days. Apart from the bank, almost eight sets were laid. There is also a street set. We first wanted to shoot it in Goa. However, there were some practical problems. Again we took a basic colony in Hyderabad and designed it to fit the story like Vizag Street. Most of the shooting took place on the sets. We have done a lot of interiors and exterior design.

The influence of Pan India movies has increased. Audiences from other industries are also waiting for the films here. Is there any pressure to make the project even grand?

It is not about Pan-India. We have to be careful about what we do. Otherwise, there will be no next project. There can be no pressure other than to think about how much justice should be done to the story and according to the budget.

You have done seven films with Mahesh Babu. Which of these is the best work of art? What's so difficult?

There is no difficulty. We do the same work for every movie. Some films may get a good name. Awards come if there are bigger sets. We did lot of work for Sarkaru Vaari Paata. We did lot of interior and exterior work. We can not find the difference between a set and a real one because they are so natural.

How much did art change since Dookudu?

Dookudu was a big movie back then. Subsequently, the budget increased and so did the material and labor costs. But according to the story, no matter how much the budget increases, the producers provide what they need without compromising.

Your work experience with cameraman Madhie?

This is the third film with Madhie after Mirchi and Run Raja Run. The third one is Sarkaru Vaari Paata. Working with him is a nice experience.

Do our Stars have an understanding of the technical department?

All our stars including Mahesh Babu garu have excellent knowledge. They know very well who works and how. They watch films of all stars and recommend good technicians for their films.

What kind of film you wish to work in the future?

I want to work for socio-fantasy films.

What are your upcoming films?

Chiranjeevi's Bholaa Shankar and director Bobby's film, Balakashna - Malineni Gopichand film, Trivikram - Mahesh Babu, and Venkatesh - Varun Tej - Anil Ravipudi F3 are the forms I'm working for.