‘I never ask my directors to fit me in scenes where I look ripped’

Sudheer Babu starrer Hunt, directed by Mahesh Surpaneni, will be hitting your nearby theatres tomorrow. Ahead of the film’s release, actor Sudheer Babu interacted with the Hyderabadi media and shared some insights about the film, plans to direct a film and more.

Amartya Smaran

Nitro star Sudheer Babu is all set to entertain the audience with his upcoming flick Hunt. Hunt is produced by longtime industry player Bhavya Creations. The film marks their second collaboration with Hunt’s director Mahesh Surapaneni. Despite his debut film Kathalo Rajakumari failing miserably at the box office, the makers didn’t back down.

The film also stars Srikanth Meka, and Tamil star Bharat in the leading roles. Ghibran who worked for films like Run Raja Run and Uttama Villain has scored music for the film, which is going to hit the theatres tomorrow.

Sudheer Babu’s last outing Aa Ammayi Gurinchi Meeku Cheppali received great appreciation upon its OTT release but didn’t make the cut at the box office. While he seemed sharp and confident during his recent interaction with the local media, that didn’t cover up the nervousness on his face ahead of the release of his latest film Hunt. As soon as he sat down to interact, one journalist asked him, “Whom are you going to Hunt?” To which he burst into laughter and said, “Different characters in the film!”.

The V actor will be seen donning the role of a ripped cop, who works super hard to trace back his lost memory. Srikanth plays Sudheer’s superior in the film but contrary to the popular view, the actor said, “More than him being my superior, people will get to see our friendship.”

As you all know, Sudheer is a fitness freak. Looking at his ripped body, you might as well think he lives in the gym 24/7. When asked if he ever gets bored of sticking to a strict workout regime.

“People actually think I live in the gym 24/7. It’s not true. I exercise to keep myself fit and healthy. Sometimes I feel like I should stop posting workout videos and pictures on social media because I feel people don’t see me for my actual work. I never particularly ask my directors to fit me in scenes where I look ripped. Usually, they are the ones who ask me to act in such scenes because they want the audience to feel that high,” said the actor, as if he wants people to understand that he’s an actor first and then a fitness enthusiast.

The film is heavy on action and the makers roped in action choreographer Renaud Favero and action director Bryan Vigier for the fight sequences. The duo have Hollywood films like John Wick 4 and 6 Underground in their credits. When there are so many action choreographers in India, we wondered what made the makers choose these men for the job. “I’ve been following them for a couple of years on Instagram.

There’s this place called Campus Univers Cascades where all the people who love fights and stunts go and train. I was actually looking forward to joining the academy to learn certain things for my action films. We knew they worked on several Hollywood films but we weren’t sure if they’d agree. However, we had a conversation with them and roped them in,” informed the Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu actor.

The foreign choreographers were under the impression that the makers were asking them to create only one sequence. Bursting their bubble, the makers informed them that they are supposed to work on four sequences for 12 days. Proving their expertise in the craft, the duo simply wrapped up the schedule in just 4 days.  

The moment Sridevi Soda Center star recalled, “Renaud and Bryan made it clear right from the onset that they should be paid in advance,” all the journalists cracked up. Turning a blind eye to it, Sudheer continued, “Many people talk a lot on Instagram but they don’t walk the talk. Perhaps they thought the same about us. Later, they blocked their dates when we clearly explained everything about the project.”

In an apparent state of disbelief and excitement, the Prema Katha Chitram actor shared, “I mean, we finished shooting all four sequences in 4 days in Paris. That wouldn’t be possible if we’d shoot the same thing here. It would at least take 25 days to wrap up the shoot. I was surprised looking at how quickly they ended the whole thing and the credit goes to their experience. I really loved the way they controlled the budget.”

Just when we thought Sudheer was suggesting that our action choreographers lack the same kind of efficiency, he pitched in and said, “It is not that our guys are bad. We just wanted to have realistic action sequences resembling John Wick and other Hollywood films. In this film, you will see a couple of long sequences because we didn’t want to defy gravity in any sense. And I’m sure people will absolutely enjoy the action. Also, I’d like to remind the audience that action is just an important part of the film but emotion is what drives the film forward.”

When asked at the meet, if he is ever going to direct a film, Sudheer said, “Maybe! Sometime soon.” To which, The Pioneer quipped saying, “Maybe Mohana Krishna Indraganti can help you with the writing,” and the rather shy Sudheer replied, “Look! So much of what I learned about films comes from Indraganti Sir. I am glad we collaborated thrice and I am sure he will let me in on his writing secrets as well. One day that might help me with direction.”The Hunt actor is looking forward to making a comeback after back-to-back disasters at the box office.