Director Sekhar Kammula has a lot to share about his upcoming film ‘Leader’ – that is due for release on Feb 19.

Tell us more about ‘Leader?’

I have penned down this script to show the difference between a conventional leader and a political leader. I was wondering which film to do after ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Leader’ struck me.  This film answers questions like “Is there a real leader in the society? Who is a leader? And how does he look like?

Does ‘Leader’ has anything to do with contemporary politicians?

I do not intend to criticize anyone but I aspire to bring a change in the political system. If you switch on the TV for some time, you would see all the criminal activities coming into limelight – all this mean we are not living in a safe society. The law and order is completely disturbed. Previously when we heard about a 100 crore scandal, we used to be astonished, but now scandals worth even more has just become a synonym. And to eradicate all such evils, I have made ‘Leader’.

Would you think ‘Leader’ can bring a change in the society?

I’m not saying that a film would change a society, but it’s my duty to enlighten on the same. I’m just showcasing the qualities of a true leader. Before ‘Happy Days’, films based on college life used to picture Professors as jokers and I have shown how a film can be made without ridiculing Professors in ‘Happy Days’.  In the same way, I felt that political situation is not correct and I’m showing them the correct path. And Censor Board members were really impressed and inspired by this film.

How different is ‘Leader’ to other Political backdrop films?

Instead of changing 8 crore people, isn’t it better to change 294 people representatives? That’s what ‘Leader’ is all about. And people must judge how different this is?

Did you make this script with RaNa in mind?

I cannot write a script predetermining a particular hero. I can zero in on a hero, only when the script suits that character.

Why did you select a newcomer for such a powerful subject?

I thought a newcomer would be better off, when writing the script. The reason being when you make a film with a star, it’s all about dreams. But ‘Leader’ is not about dreams, it’s about reality. And the message can penetrate into the public only when newbie does it. People don’t see ‘RaNa’ in this film; they see ‘Arjun Prasad’ – his character in this film.

How far did RaNa do justice to ‘Leader’?

RaNa is a dedicated artist and he did justice to this character. He was completely involved in the character and has all the qualities of becoming a great hero.

Your previous films ‘Anand’, ‘Godavari’, and ‘Happy Days’ are really soft and cool. But did you do any homework when writing a script like Leader’?

You need not know entire politics to do a film in a political backdrop. I have pretty good understanding on current politics and I did not do any research. And you would know my knowledge on politics after seeing this film.

Your thoughts on doing a film with AVM?

‘Leader’ is AVM’s 174 film and a ‘mother film’ to me. I consider ‘Anand’ and ‘Godavari’ like my daughters and ‘Happy Days’ as my son. I thank AVM for lending the support and producing such a big budget film.