Nag confident of Damarukam's success

Actor Nagarjuna is back to the commercial arena. After portraying offbeat roles in 'Rajanna' and 'Shirdi Sai', the actor, will be seen fighting with demons this time around in 'Damarukam', a socio-fantasy drama which releases on October 20.

In a group interaction, the actor who watched the first-copy of the film on Thursday sounded positive about the film. Clad in uber cool blue T-shit, he says, 'The last 30-35 minutes of the film are spell-bounding and watching the film one could relate to the visual effects of 'The Mummy' and 'The Lord Of The Ring series'.'

Some pictures released by the production house on Tuesday showcase the actor sporting a six pack. Revealing the secret about his abs, he says, 'We shot the climax of the film in last November and cameraman Chota K Naidu and director Srinivas Reddy pushed me for some muscles for a brief portion in the film.

More than working out, I followed a strict diet regime. My body has been lean throughout my filmi career and I had four packs earlier (laughs).

For six packs one should not resort to salt, carbohydrates and water and I've worked for a period of two weeks to get into shape.

Everybody has six packs (laughs).' Nag feels that it's an altogether different ball game to work for a visual effects drama where one has to imagine another character who will be incorporated later with effects.

'I had to fight with 18 feet Shiva in the film. After watching the film I felt that I could have done more.

More than for me, it's a mammoth task for cameraman, director and the VFX supervisor, all of whom, have their work cut-out to explain the scene to me.'

When asked by a scribe whether the film is based on the novel 'The Immortals of Meluha', the 'Manmadhudu' star took the opportunity to dismiss the news.

'Author Amish Tripathi called me sometime back and verified whether the film is based on his novel.

I've clarified him that it isn't and also forwarded a written insurance to him. I was told that Karan Johar bought the rights of the film.'

Talking about the role of antagonist Ravi Shankar, the actor heaped praises about his performance.

He says, 'The film starts off with Andakasura (played by Ravi Shankar), the last demon who escapes after the fight between gods and demons.

He goes into penance and wakes in 2012 and he is out to offer Anushka with which he will gain more powers. His character was modeled on the late SV Ranga Rao. He portrayed the role convincingly and he is watch out for.'

Competing with a big film 'Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu' which releases today, Nag without any qualms said that Pawan's film deserves to be released in more number of theatres.

'Pawan Kalyan is in form. And it's not a problem that if his film releases in more number of screens. I want every film to do well.

We are getting enough number of screens for 'Damarukam' and we are highly upbeat about the film's prospects at the box-office,' maintains Nag.

On his upcoming projects, the actor says, 'I'm through with 60% of Dasarath's film. 'Love Story' is not the title. A new schedule will begin shortly.

In December, I will start shooting for 'Bhai', an entertainer. Director Vikram Kumar's (Ishq fame) film will start in February or March next year. Titles like '3G' (Three Generations), 'Hum' and 'Tarayam' are in consideration (smiles).'

When asked about his younger son Akhil's debut into films? 'It will take time,' responds Nag. 'He is a confident guy and without informing me, he acted in couple of short films.

The good thing is that he is introspecting after watching those films. I know a day would come where he will say that this is the film, the director and the music director that I've chosen for my debut.'