"Odela 2" Offers a Never-Before-Seen Visual Experience; Soul vs. Supernatural Powers Story Will Definitely Connect": Director Sampath Nandi
Tamannaah Bhatia is all set to enthrall audiences in a never-before-seen character in the highly anticipated "Odela 2," a sequel to the super natural thriller "Odela Railway Station." Under the super vision of Sampath Nandi, directed by Ashok Teja, and produced by D. Madhu under Madhu Creations and Sampath Nandi Teamwork, the film has created huge buzz with its promotional content. Tamannaah will be seen as a Naga Sadhu, a character imbued with mysterious energy. Hebah Patel and Vasishta N. Simha play crucial roles. The film's teaser and trailer have taken expectations to the next level. "Odela 2" is slated for a grand theatrical release on April 17th, promising to be one of the biggest summer attractions. On this occasion, creator Sampath Nandi shared details about the film at a press meet.
When did the idea for "Odela 2" start?
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When we made Part One, there was no thought of doing a sequel. We gave a lead at the end, thinking we could do it if there was an opportunity. Part One was a huge success in Telugu. Aha also bought the Tamil rights. There was a proposal to remake it in Hindi. Director Ashok asked why we shouldn't write a sequel to this film. Once, I went for music sittings with Bheems. Those sittings didn't happen then, but the idea for this sequel was created there.
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In the first part, Hebah Patel's Radha character was a highlight. We thought it would be good to have a strong female character in the second part as well. In the first part, an evil force is destroyed. To control its spirit, another power is needed. The idea of having a character like Shivashakti came to mind. I have worked with Tamannaah Garu in two films before. She is a very good performer, and I said she would be apt for this character. She also liked it very much.
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To put it simply, this film is about soul versus supernatural powers. Atma versus Paramatma. I have seen characters like Shivashakti in my village areas and the surrounding regions. My grandmother used to be a Shivashakti. I saw her get possessed when I was young. In my innocent age, we used to make fun of it too. My grandmother was very popular in that area. Anyone in trouble would come and tell her. I remember all those visuals. I felt it would be new to the screen. I learned that Shivashaktis transform into Naga Sadhus and restore Shiva temples. That's how the Naga Sadhu character was born.
What efforts did you make for Tamannaah Garu's Naga Sadhu look?
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Initially, we tried three looks. Tamannaah Garu is very fair. Naga Sadhus are in the sun. Their skin tone is different. No matter how many makeup looks we tried, it felt fake. There are also foreigners among Naga Sadhus. Tamannaah Garu turns pinkish when she is in the sun. We thought of doing it without any makeup at all. I told designer Neetha Lulla about this. I sent all the costumes I took as reference. She came up with two designs. Finally, we okayed the look you are seeing now. It took a lot of time to prepare this look. We took a lot of precautions for the look.
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For this film, Tamannaah Garu acted barefoot in the sun. She completely turned vegetarian. I believe Tamannaah Garu was able to do such a character because she is on a spiritual journey. She performed this character effortlessly.
Are you happy with the graphics in this film?
- Very happy. This film has the quality graphics you see in Indian superstar movies. About 150 VFX experts have been working on this film for the past six months.
What about Ajaneesh Loknath's music?
- Ajaneesh was the first technician we finalized as soon as we conceived the story. The reason is "Kantara." The background score in that film is extraordinary. Ajaneesh's music is the biggest blessing for this film.
Tell us about director Ashok?
- I have known Ashok since childhood. We made the "Odela" film to make him a director. Now, he has directed this film very wonderfully too.
How will Hebah Patel Garu's character be in the second part?
- Hebah's character is there in the second part. There is a very big and crucial episode in the second half.
Since when have you had the idea to write such a story?
- I never thought I would write such a story. I was going along doing stories like "Racha," "Bengal Tiger," "Gautham Nanda." I didn't even have this understanding two or three years ago. It has been eight years since my wife installed a Shivalinga at home. She always performs pujas. I also read some books. Maybe all that was in my subconscious mind, and it came out in the form of this film.
What about producer Madhu Garu?
- He is a very passionate producer. Whenever I tell him an idea, if he likes it, he immediately says we will do it. I said we should launch this film in Kashi. Without a second thought and without worrying about the expense, he launched it. Similarly, launching the teaser at Kumbh Mela was possible because of his passion. This film was made with a strong determination.
The trailer seemed to have shades of "Arundhati" and "Pasupathi"?
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It might seem that way in the trailer, but if you watch the film, there is no comparison between "Arundhati" and this film. Both are unique films in their own way. This is a war between a ghost and the Panchakshari mantra.
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All the visuals in this film will be very new. The audience will have a very new experience.
Tell us about Vasishta Simha?
- Vasishta's voice is very good. In Part One, after hearing his voice, I asked him to dub for the character. In this film too, his performance is very wonderful.
Are you planning a third part for this film?
- We can't plan anything for such films. I believe all that should be planned by God. I feel that Kaalabhairava himself wrote this.
How will the film you are doing with Sharwanand Garu be?
- That is a film based on real incidents. There is a village on the Adilabad border in Maharashtra. We are fictionalizing some of the incidents that happened in that village. It's a story that happened in 1960.
The entire film unit participated in the press meet.
