Rajamouli's upcoming entertainer RRR has been the most talked-about project across the country. With the lockdown, everything came to a standstill and movie lovers are waiting eagerly to know the status of the film.
In the midst of all this, cinematographer Senthil Kumar revealed the stats of RRR. He revealed why the RRR test shoot was canceled. He said, “We planned to come to a conclusion of the current situation with a test shoot. Generally for RRR shoot every day 500-600 people used to work. But we found it a daunting task with the Government asking us to shoot with just 40-50 people. Even then we planned to take up the challenge. We planned to start the regular shoot from July first week. However, with cases increasing as a social responsibility we went back on our decision. We are thinking on how to continue shooting with less number of people."
Senthil Kumar continued, “We used to get surprised seeing washing hands, use of sanitizers and masks only in films. But the same thing turned into a reality. We started following all this in the month of March. Rajamouli cautioned us when he heard about the corona. We started checking the temperatures of people, wearing masks, washing hands etc. and expected shooting to continue. However, with the Government imposing lockdown suddenly, we had to stop the shooting. By that time we completed 70% of the shooting and editing, dubbing used to happen simultaneously.”
He added, “Though few countries are allowing shootings, big projects are yet to start. We cannot do anything till the vaccine comes for corona. In future virtual technology will increase. It all depends on our team whether to use virtual technology for RRR. We have to look after the practicality. During Baahubali we used to the latest virtual technology. Now we are using LED panels to shoot without a green screen. In Star Wars, the same technology was used."
On RRR shoot, he said, “Compared to March, April, May, and June witnessed an increase in corona cases. In July corona cases reached its peaks. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to start shooting. It may take another month or two."
On rejecting Bollywood offer, "After Baahubali, I got an offer in Bollywood. I was planning to work for a good film. At the same time, Rajamouli started RRR. I couldn't reject RRR for Bollywood. I am happy working for RRR and people will know the reason in the future.”