Kartikeya Gummakonda: The success of ‘Bhaje Vaayu Vegam’ will serve as a validation of my choice

Kartikeya Gummakonda discusses his journey in the Telugu film industry, upcoming movie Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, and aspirations for diverse roles.

When Kartikeya Gummakonda was six, he danced to ‘Ramma Chilakamma’ from Chiranjeevi’s blockbuster film Choodalani Vundi in school. The warm reception filled him with joy. By the time he was in class V or VI, he wanted to grow up and become a star. “I am glad I convinced my parents and gave acting a shot; otherwise I would have always regretted not trying,” he says during this interview ahead of the release of his new Telugu film, Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, on May 31.

Kartikeya exudes confidence when he discusses Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, directed by debutant Prashanth Reddy who had earlier worked with director Sujeeth in Run Raja Run and Saaho. “I have not signed my next film. I am confident about Bhaje… and a good reception will validate my choice as an actor; I will be sure that I am on the right path.” 

This interview happens at an office in Madhapur, Hyderabad, where camera crews are waiting to film his interviews. Moving from one interview to another, he says, “I have a lot of patience, that helps me get through the promotion schedules. It is a part of my job.”

Bhaje… comes after his previous hit film, Bedurulanka 2012, but has been in the works for nearly two years. Prashanth had pitched a story that blends a father-son bond with a race against time. Since a considerable portion of the film involves a car chase, titles such as ‘Race’ and ‘Speed’ were considered. The team opted for Bhaje… for its resonance with the Hanuman Chalisa and its metaphorical connection to the narrative.

A silver Jaguar that features prominently in the film was earlier used by actor Prabhas. “A luxury car plays a significant part in the story. About 40 minutes in the second half is on the road and involves car chase sequences. If we were to hire a Jaguar, we would be concerned about the rentals, fixing cameras and any damage. The producers of UV Creations (associates of actor Prabhas) remembered that Prabhas anna has a Jaguar that he is not currently using and requested him to lend it for the film,” says Karthikeya.

The actor says that while the car chase portions ensure the adrenaline rush, the story of the father and the son gives it the emotional heft. Bhaje… was filmed in 53 days, of which the car portions were filmed in 20 days. “On some days, we filmed long hours. I would arrive on the sets at 6am and leave the next day at 8am.” 

Meticulous planning at the pre-production stage, he says, made this possible. “Plenty of sketches were made and Prashanth was clear on how he wanted his script to be translated on to the screen. Action choreographers Dilip Subbarayan and Venkat master helped us execute it smoothly. We were particular about working within our budget.”