M9 News journalist Nishant sat with director Mahesh Babu ahead of the release of Andhra King Taluka on the 27th of this month. You see him share how the idea struck nearly ten years ago while watching a film in a theatre.
He recalled seeing an interview of the same star a few hours earlier, and the concept formed in his mind. We also discussed how fanism shapes the way people view the bond between a fan and a star. The conversation moved in many directions.
Mahesh Babu rejected the belief that the film’s title was inspired by Pawan Kalyan’s slogan “Pithapuram MLA Gari Taluka”. He said he first wanted to name the film Andhra King before the dialogue “Andhra King Taluka” caught everyone’s attention.
He said fans connecting it to Pawan Kalyan is good because their number is high. Mahesh Babu then shared his own fan moments, like the wall collapse at Jagadamba Theater, Vishakapatnam during Indra, and buying Shankar Dada MBBS tickets for 500 Rupees in black.
He explained why he does not want a Telugu Superstar to play Andhra King. The character needs acceptance and maturity, and he feels a Superstar’s image may affect the role. You see his clear preference for authenticity over stardom.
He also spoke about comparisons to Puri Jagannadh’s Nenithe. He remembered meeting Puri with his father during that time. Puri told his father, “Let him try. What will happen? At best he will fail.” He called it a beautiful line that stayed with him.
We asked him about actors like Naveen Polishetty receiving credit for a film. He compared it to parenting. A mother bears the hardships yet the father claims the child. He said a film belongs to the audience and time decides where the credit goes.
You can watch the complete interview for the full conversation and deeper insights into Andhra King Taluka and Mahesh Babu’s creative process.
