Rocking It, Tollywood Style!

Lead characters in Telugu cinema are getting musical these days and playing a rockstar seems to be the zeitgeist, onscreen at least. Stylish star, Allu Arjun's "rockstar-meets-hip-hop-artist-meets-rapper" look in Puri Jagaannadh's upcoming action-romance, Iddarammayilatho, has been the talk of the town. Apparently, the actor plays an assassin who masquerades as a rock musician. Harshvardhan Rane too is playing an urban rock enthusiast in his upcoming rom-com, Prema, Ishq, Kadal. Debutante Revanth can be found staring down from posters splashed across the city, as a guitar-wielding fusion musician in Intinta Annamayya. Last but not the least, Shraddha Das will be seen essaying the role of a Mexican Pop diva in the Sai Dharam Tej-starrer Rey.

 

 

As interesting as each of these roles sound, you can't help wondering what and who do these characters represent? The city does not boast of a thriving alternative music scene, and neither does the state. Harshvardhan Rane, who is currently "working on his guitar strumming skills to prepare for his role," thinks otherwise. He believes the trend is a reflection of the aspirations of the youth today. "Today's youth have grown up on a healthy dose of music channels. The idea of a rockstar is not an alien concept to them. So, identifying with the characters isn't going to be that difficult. We have so many city-based college bands that play genres as diverse as rock, death metal, hip-hop, fusion — you name it. Besides, as an actor, it gives me an opportunity to try something new," explains the actor.

 

Revanth too echoes similar views. Admittedly, he can play the guitar and piano for real. So, is he playing himself in the film? "Nothing like that. I had actually set out to become a war journalist!" says Revanth, adding, "Music is more of a hobby and it never went beyond jamming with friends for fun. However, that's not what motivated me to take up the role." Apparently, the movie is all about fusion music. "We are trying to portray classical music in new light to a new generation which has perhaps distanced itself from traditional music. Composer MM Keeravani garu has come up with fantastic fusion renditions of our good old Annamayya kirtanas, it's going to be the highlight of the film. I play a musician who's trying to bring about a musical revolution," explains the debutante.

 

Director YVS Chodhary's Rey, which is set in the backdrop of a pop-music competition in the US, has actor Shraddha Das playing a pop diva with Mexicacn roots. The actor claims to have taken inspiration from pop stars like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Rihanna to get her look right. "It's easily the most exciting role in my career. I play the reigning Mexican-American pop star in the film, who doesn't like anyone to come in her path to success. Sai Dharam Tej happens to be a member of a rival gang that challenges my supremacy. So, expect lot's of breathtaking song and dance sequences that will blow your mind away," shares Shraddha. Well, if Ranbir can make Bollywood critics go gaga with his rockstar performance, stars in Tollywood too are hoping to do the same. Only time will tell.