He started his career as an assistant director in several Telugu movies. He jumped into the direction scene with his debut venture 'Badri'. He then started Vaishno Academy, which went on to produce many hit movies like 'Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi', 'Pokiri', among others. Meet director Puri Jagannadh, an animal lover, whose latest flick, 'Businessman', will be released on January 13.
Love for animals
"I just love animals," says Puri Jagannadh who is the proud owner of more than 50 exotic birds and many dogs and is said to have the most adorable pets in town. A few of them are two scarlet Macaus, two dwarf Marmoset monkeys, a German Pomeranian called JLo, a Chihuahua called Tyson and a Chinese pup, among many others. His office plays host to all these birds and a few dogs. All his birds have custom-made homes and feed. The Macaus stand royally in their wooden stand, with food and water to their side and engage the visitors with their sudden screech, whereas a few ducks have a small pond.
Sharing his experiences directing 'Businessman', the director says, "Mahesh's character in the movie is set at another level, as a writer I am fully satisfied with his role. And the best part was, we finished filming the movie in just three-and-a-half months."
The movie that was initially set to release on January 11, has now been postponed to 13. Ask him why and Puri explains, "The film is being released in the US as well and Jan 11 being a Wednesday and a weekday, people may not able to make it to the theatres. That is why we postponed it to Jan 13."
'Businessman' will be opening in about 1600 theatres all over the world, which is the highest ever for a Telugu movie. "It's almost like a Hindi movie. The highest ever for a Telugu movie was 600 theatres. I am really hoping for a great response. I have my fingers crossed," he says.
'Businessman' is completely set in Mumbai. It is about a guy, who lands in Mumbai and wishes to become a bhai. "We have used a few Hindi dialogues to add a little Mumbai flavour," Puri says and adds, "His business is crime in the movie."
Even the poster of the movie, with a Bar code behind the title, adds a business touch to it.
Hindi remake
The Hindi remake of ‘Businessman’ has definitely attracted much attention and controversy already. With Mahesh Babu replacing Abhishek Bachchan in the Hindi remake of ‘Businessman’, the Puri-Bachchans relationship is again under the scanner. But Puri Jagannadh explains, “We had plans of making a Hindi movie, but we have not yet finalized it. The Hindi remake will go ahead if the Telugu version is a hit.”
Junior Puri
Puri Jagannadh's son, Aakash, whose movie ‘Lotus Pond’ was screened at the Children's Film Festival in 2011 received a lot of appreciation. However, Puri says he won't be directing his son's movie anytime soon. “He is very focused on acting and he is interested in movies. I’ll let him think for himself and if he needs any advice, I am always there to help him.”
Future projects
Puri Jagannadh's next directorial venture will be with Ravi Teja and Ileana and it will start rolling in March. The title of the movie has not yet been decided. “Apart from this, I also want to build base in Bollywood and I want to do Hindi movies. I hope I get to do ‘Businessman’ in Hindi,” Puri says.
“And like every director, even I have a Hollywood dream. I would love to do an English movie as well,” he signs off on an optimistic note.
