Naa Ishtam: Rana Daggubati on a promotional spree

With the release date of 'Naa Ishtam' fast approaching, actor Rana Daggubati is on a promotional spree that never really stopped since the release of the movie's audio release.

Despite appearing confident, the actor does betray a few jitters as he fidgets with a cushion while chit-chatting about his movie.

"Tollywood is having a really good year so far. The first quarter opened with the hit Businessman, then there was Bodyguard and the surprise hit of Nitin's 'Ishq' which nobody expected, while we had only one not-so-well-to-do movie in the form Nippu. The next quarter will be starting with Genelia’s and my 'Naa Ishtam'. There will be also be 'Rachcha' and 'Dammu'. So if you look at it, there is a lot to look forward to."

Following Bollywood's convention

Unlike the usual promotional events that happen in Tollywood, Rana followed the unconventional music release that movies in Bollywood like 'Rockstar' did.

"The promotion for the film was something that we've never tried before, a format that's being done in Bollywood. We went to colleges and released the music, so people would know about it. The point was to bring this product that we've created out into the open and let people know that its there. As much direct contact with the people as possible was the motto," he explains.

On Genelia

The actress has been missing out on the promotional action having just tied the knot. Ask the actor if he feels the weight of promoting the film alone and he smiles, answering, "She wanted to be here but couldn't make it. She just got married and is busy herself.But she's been trying to do just as much in her own space. She'll be here in the city when the movie releases. Once she comes, we also have a slew TV interviews lined up."

Upcoming projects

"I have RGV's 'Department' coming up. Just a little more to go and then that'll be done. Then there's 'Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum' directed by Krish and film with Selva Rajan which will probably be a bilingual. I'll be starring opposite Nayantara in 'Krishnam...', that's something that was just confirmed recently. This year I'll probably have about four releases. So I'm looking forward to this year," he confirms.

Take on piracy

With Tollywood signing an MoU with the Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA), piracy in the industry will begin to face the music. However, it isn't just piracy by the audience, there's also piracy by the filmmakers who copy ideas from Korea, Italy and so on. The actor however is slightly nonchalant he says its ultimately an ethical choice.

"It shows a certain amount of respect to the film and film maker when you don't copy the idea. For a person selling the pirated copy, there is barely any cost bared. So, fighting the system as a whole becomes a problem."

He points out that while in a bigger city like Hyderabad, there isn't much that can be done, in smaller towns, it becomes easier.

"I have a friend who I studied with, who lives in Chittoor. He's a regular movie-goer. But it's a small town where 'Bodyguard' just got released. If we target these cities during the promotion, tell them there is a movie coming, they are more likely to go watch it in a theatre than download itoff the net."