Pogaru is 65% emotions, 15% action and 20% other entertainment: Dhruva Sarja

Currently, all eyes are on the release of Pogaru, as there are a lot of hopes pinned on this film, which is the first big release in Kannada cinema since the onset of the pandemic. The film brings Dhruva Sarja back to the big screen to entertain audiences. In a quick chat ahead of the release Dhruva spoke to us about the film and more. Excerpts...
You're returning to the big screen after four years...
They've supported my three films and celebrated them. I am releasing Pogaru at a time like this on the belief that they will show the same love to this film too.
Why should your fans and viewers watch Pogaru?
In society today, people have no value for emotions or respect for family. That is the message of the film. If one has the right value system and support, the person grows up to have a good future. But what happens to a boy who doesn't have a good childhood? What will his future be like? This is shown in this film. This film follows the story of a son, his relationship with his sister and many other factors.
You branch into Telugu and Tamil with this film. What’s been the response from there?
I've been running around over the past few days, meeting audiences in those markets. In Andhra, people say 'Pogaru', while in Tamil Nadu 'Karabuu' is all I heard. The film has created quite a buzz in these centres. This is a film that has been made over three and a half years with a lot of love. The response so far has given us the confidence that it will be received well.
Songs from your films have always done well and Karabuu took it to another level. What’s your take?
Honestly, I am usually scared when a song is released. I have nightmares wondering whether people will reject the song. This is why there is extra work that goes in right from conception and composing to presenting on screen. Murali Master and our team worked to make the title track hit the next level especially following the craze created by Karabuu. We have a ‘drunken song’ too that will only be revealed in cinema halls.
You've gone through a massive body transformation in the film. Tell us about that...
The audience pays from the money that they earn from hard work to see us onscreen. I need to do justice to that. If one does not take risks or tries to give something new and different, then what is the purpose of that? There are many other actors who are smarter and dance better than me. I've gone through this effort of transforming my body and showing something else to ensure there is excitement and entertainment when they come to see me in the cinema halls.
How would you break down the entertainment factor in Pogaru?
I'd say Pogaru is 65% emotions, 15% action and 20% for all the other factors. One will understand that better when they come to see it in the cinema halls.
We're curious, was it hard for you to maintain that long hair look for so long?
It was hard for me to sustain that and tolerate that long hair. I was the happiest when I finally got to chop off those long locks!
This film has been in the making for long. Will fans get to see your next sooner?
When it came to Pogaru, I had to sport different looks that needed me to undergo extreme physical transformation. I don't have anything like that in my next, so it will be released sooner.