Ram Gopal Varma found himself dealing with more than what he had bargained for, when he landed in Anantpur in Hyderabad on Friday, to shoot Rakta Charitra based on the controversial politician and alleged criminal Paritala Ravindra, wanted in 54 murder cases.
Ram Gopal Varma found himself dealing with more than what he had bargained for, when he landed in Anantpur in Hyderabad on Friday, to shoot Rakta Charitra based on the controversial politician and alleged criminal Paritala Ravindra, wanted in 54 murder cases.
He was at the vortex of a violent protest in Paritala's constituency where his wife Suneetha (to be played by Kangna Ranaut?) still lives.
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Vivek Oberoi in Rakta Charitra |
Says a source, "The minute Sunnetha saw Ramu she made it very clear that she won't allow the film to be made. She doesn't want her husband who was revered and worshipped in his constituency, to be portrayed as a criminal.
Varma being Varma just nodded, pretending to understand what she said when in fact, he couldn't follow much of what she was saying. He left with a smile and then continued his meeting with various friends and family members of Paritala Ravi. Soon the word spread that Varma was making the film regardless of the protests. Hundreds of people gathered outside the place he was staying in and threatened to stop him from leaving."
Won't complyWhen contacted, Ramuu00a0- still stranded in Anantpur -admitted he was seriously threatened but seemed in no mood to comply with the demands to stop the film. "When have I ever been stopped by threats? I've been meeting all those closely associated with the man. Some of these men are accused in 100-200 murder cases.
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They're dangerously people. And if they think I'm trying to make mischief about Paritala, they will kill me without a second thought. See, the people who kill others live by a peculiar logic. The picture I've formed is incredible. Now I'm more determined than before to make the film."
Ramu also met Paritala Ravi's most dreaded enemy Suri. "He's in jail. I met him there. And I'm shocked by how much he still hates Ravi." Suri (to be played by Chennai's superstar Surya) wants Paritala Ravi to be portrayed as a villain.
But Ramu isn't obliging, "I'm trying to convince the people here in Anantpur that I want to portray Ravi Paritala the way he was, and not as a villain. But they aren't convinced. And yes, I'm being threatened. My mother is very worried. But what can I do? I have heavy security with me. Now if I've to go I've to go."
Ramu intends to shoot the film on location. He also intends to return to Anantpur in a month with Vivek Oberoi who plays Paritala Ravi.
