Jagapathi Babu: Ramabanam stresses on family bonds, it’s a welcome break from gore, crime and negativity

The family entertainer, Ramabanam, starring Gopichand, Dimple Hayathi, Khushbu, Jagapathi Babu, hits screens this weekend. The film is directed by Sriwass. Ahead of its release, Jagapathi Babu, who unites with the filmmaker and Gopichand second time after Lakshyam for the project, spoke to the media today. Excerpts from the chat.

Why Ramabanam?

Horror, action and thriller films have been on the rise lately and it has been a while since a good family drama hit theatres. I and Gopichand are reuniting after Lakshyam and the sibling drama will keep the audiences hooked. Much like Sivaramaraju, which brought several warring siblings together, Ramabanam stresses on family bonds. It’s a perfect film meant for family viewing.

I’ve done over 70 films as a character actor but only 7-8 of them have made a difference. They’ve not utilised me as a performer in a few of them. I must praise Gopichand for emphasising that this had to be a story of two brothers with strong characterisation. You’ll notice that in the climax.

I think it’s important that films like these are made to understand values, sentiments in families. There’s a lot of negativity around and violence is ruling the roost in films these days. On a lighter note, it’s the reason why I was able to bag a lot of offers too.

On Khushbu and saying no to scripts:

I’ve known Khushbu since childhood but we surprisingly haven’t worked together. She is so easy to work with and I want to team up with her again and again. I said yes to the film because of the story. Gone are the days when I gave a nod owing to obligations and team combinations. I can afford to say no to a film when I don’t like the story. I don’t want filmmakers to use me as a set property.

‘Enjoying this phase of life’

The Hindi cinema stint has come in handy and working with Salman Khan undoubtedly gave me a lot of mileage. I am getting a lot of Bollywood offers. I am enjoying this phase of life. Being a hero comes with responsibility and I am able to deliver my best as a performer with ease sans the stress. Legend, Rangasthalam, Aravinda Sametha are my personal favourites recently.

On his web series Samudram getting stalled:

We’d shot briefly for it but it hasn’t turned out the way we expected it to. It’s still lying in my library. When I find a director with the right sensibility, I will resume the shoot.

On director Sriwass, producers People Media Factory:

Sriwass has done a fabulous job with Ramabanam. He felt the brother-sentiment would work well after Lakshyam. People Media Factory is one of the finest production houses I’ve worked with, in the recent times. I have done another project with them, which will release soon.

‘No big or small film’

There’s nothing like a big or a small film. If audiences like a film, it automatically becomes big. I liked Care of Kancharapalem, Balagam immensely and I felt bad that I couldn’t be a part of it. People assume I won’t do small budget films but that’s not the case. I value my passion, my role and the film more than remuneration. I want to do a character on the lines of Godfather and my role in Gaayam.