In forthcoming Telugu-Tamil bilingual, Oopiri, an adaptation of French drama The Intouchables, superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna plays a quadriplegic millionaire, confined to a wheel-chair throughout the film. The specially designed, automated chair was imported exclusively for the film’s shoot from Sweden at the cost of Rs. 25 lakh. Though the makers originally planned to hire the chair, but eventually decided to buy it for the shoot as they wanted to use it flexibly.
For his role, Nagarjuna was completely dependent on his wheel-chair. So much so that, he wasn’t allowed to move any other part of his body other than his face. At times, his legs and hands were tied to avoid unnecessary movement while shooting important scenes.
Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, the film is about the relationship between a physically challenged millionaire and a socially disabled slumdog, played by Karthi, who plays Nagarjuna’s caretaker in this heartwarming drama about celebration of life. Also starring Tamannaah Bhatia in a crucial role, the film focuses on the friendship between two persons who are poles apart. It’s slated to hit the screens worldwide on Friday.
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