Credit for 'Pokiri' goes to Puri: Mahesh Babu

Hyderabad, July 4 (IANS) Telugu star Mahesh Babu gives credit to director Puri Jagannath for the biggest hit of his career in "Pokiri", which is breaking box office records.

"If I have to attribute the success to just one person, then it has to be Puri Jagannath. He came up with a novel script and narrated it interestingly," Mahesh told IANS.

Mahesh is equally excited about his next release "Sainikudu" and hopes to complete a hat-trick after the successes of "Athadu" and "Pokiri".

Excerpts:

How do you feel about a record-breaking hit in "Pokiri"'

I am truly excited about its success because I could reach out to all sections of the audience with the film. It has already registered unprecedented collections and I expect it to cross the Rs.400 million mark. Recently, my sister got married and I am savouring two happy events.

To whom would you attribute the success' Did you anticipate it while first hearing the script'

If I have to attribute the success to just one person, then it has to be Puri Jagannath. He came up with a novel script and narrated it interestingly.

Obscene dialogues and excessive violence fetched the movie an A certificate.

If you look at the lines from the point of view of the character, they are justified. But we didn't cross the line of decency.

I can name films, which went overboard (like showing football as a game with butchered heads in one instance), but I think we did everything in limits. I also think family audiences weren't put off.

Will you score a hat-trick with "Sainikudu" after giving two consecutive hits "Athadu" and "Pokiri"'

I think my marriage with Namritha has changed my fortunes as I have delivered two back-to-back hits. "Sainikudu" is happening at the right time.

After "Okkadu" and "Arjun", it is my third film with director Gunasekar. I am equally excited about it.

Can you elaborate on your forthcoming films'

I have decided to pick good and interesting roles. Also, I think I have matured in judging good scripts. This maturity will caution me against choosing idiotic scripts like "Bobby" and "Takari Donga".

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