Jul 23, 2026 8:30pm IST
Director Bobby Kolli on ‘Mega 158’: ‘It Won’t Be a Vintage Chiranjeevi Film, But We’ve Kept All the Commercial Elements’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Telugu filmmaker Bobby Kolli, known for delivering box office blockbusters like “Power,” “Jai Lava Kusa,” “Venky Mama” and “Waltair Veerayya,” has reunited with megastar Chiranjeevi for the actor’s 158th film, which is bankrolled by KVN Productions.
Also featuring Anaswara Rajan, Priyamani and Rachita Ram, the film is currently in production and is among the most anticipated Telugu projects. In an exclusive interview with Variety India, director Bobby Kolli talks about what fans can expect from the “Mega 158,” how all biggies come on board for his films and which is his biggest dream collaboration. Excerpts…
What can Chiranjeevi fans expect from ‘Mega 158’?
This film will be much bigger and grander than my previous projects, including ‘Waltair Veerayya’ (also starring Chiranjeevi). While it won’t be a vintage Chiranjeevi film, we’ve kept all the commercial elements. It’ll be a treat for fans.
Looking back at your journey from ‘Power’ to your latest film, how do you think you’ve evolved as a storyteller?
For me, every film is a learning experience. I learn something new with every film, whether it’s about storytelling, screenplay or direction. I try to evolve and improve my skills as a filmmaker.
You’ve worked with some of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars, including Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR, Ravi Teja, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pawan Kalyan and Venkatesh. What’s your secret to getting so many leading stars on board?
I never think of stars before writing the script. Once I complete it, I imagine which actor will suit the character. Since my films have mass appeal and feature characters with larger-than-life auras, I end up working with big names who have screen presence.
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What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your successes and setbacks?
I believe the script should be simple. At the same time, it should connect with the audience and have an entertainment quotient. The story matters the most. If it doesn’t connect with the audience, it will fail irrespective of the cast and scale.
Have any actors surprised you by bringing something completely unexpected to a character?
Almost every actor I’ve worked with has surprised me with the depth and arc they brought to their characters. In “Jai Lava Kusa,” where Jr NTR played a triple role, he made sure to give each character a distinct quality.
Do box office numbers influence your creative choices?
The story matters most to me, but I also keep the budget in mind, as it plays a significant role in balancing the commercial elements and reaching the break-even point to turn the movie into a profitable venture.
Is there a dream collaboration that is yet to happen?
Apart from the actors I have worked with, I really want to work with Rajinikanth sir. That’s my dream.
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