I am a romantic at heart: Prabhas on new film 'Radhe Shyam' and more

What areyour expectations from Radhe Shyam?

I want thislove story to bea hit because if it works then I will be encouraged to again try something different. I know what the audience wants from me.

What’s that?

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Theywant lotsof actionfrom me. Let me assure them that 'Radhe Shyam' is a love thriller.

Couldyou explain?

Besides romance, there’s some action also. Yeah, I really hope this film is a hit. Now I am in stress mode, I think (nervous laughter).

What are your expectationsfrom 'Radhe Shyam'?

I want my fans to come to see what I’ve done in 'Radhe Shyam'. That’s the biggest rewardI can get, bigger than any award. If I can make this film successful and if the audience likes it, that would be a big relief.

You play a diehard romantic in Radhe Shyam. Are you a romantic in real life?

I think I amromantic (laughs). I think otherswho knowme would be a better judge of whether I am a romantic or not.As far as 'Radhe Shyam' is concerned, the director Radha Krishna Kumar designed the film as such that every frame creates romance.

You and the producers of Radhe Shyam were determined to wait it out and release the film in theatres, no matter how long it took. Are you confident to get the numbers of Baahubali this time?

No no. 'Baahubali' was a much bigger film in size scale and budget and it was in two parts. Even now, the magic of 'Baahubali' lingers. 'Radhe Shyam' is just a love story. The audience seems to have liked the trailers. They’ve been making videos, etc. But please,I don’t aim to beat the records of 'Baahubali' or anything. I just want the audience to come and have fun.

How difficult was it to complete Radhe Shyam during the pandemic?

It was likea small-scale war. Because it is a retro film, a period drama, of the kind we had never shot before, we had to recreate different eras in different countries. We had to run to different countries three times and stop the shoot, come back run back again to India. Then when the pandemic receded we went back. But had to come back midway, then go back again. So like I said it waslikegoing through a whole war. I am thankful to the Italian government and especially the people of Georgia. They really helped us.

Do you think Baahubali has become a hard-to-beat benchmark in your career?

It is a benchmark. It changed my life and career completely and I am really thankful for that. My family and fans are also very happy about Baahubali. Yes, it’s a benchmark. But I can’t do that again. I am just trying to make films that would entertain and hopefully not disappoint the audience.

What are your other projects?

I am doing 'Adipurush' which will release on January 12, 2023.Then 'Salaar' and 'Project K'. I have Sandeep Vanga’s'Spirit'. I am also going to announce a comedy soon. I am o announcing one more film after that.

All your co-actors keep talking about the food that you bring to the sets. Are youa foodie in real life?

I am a foodie. But since I am in this profession I have watched my diet. I became a vegan which my mother didn’t like. But what to do? If I get a chance to play a character who is a foodie I will grab it with both hands.