The style factor in Gopichand-starrer Telugu actioner "Jil" will differentiate it from the actor's earlier outings, says its director Radha Krishna, who adds he couldn't have pulled off the project without the support of his hero.
"Gopichand has been given a stylish makeover, but it wasn't done intentionally. He plays a fireman, and the script demanded him to be disciplined and well-groomed. The style factor will make 'Jil' stand out from his earlier films," Radha told IANS.
"We did some research on firemen, and accordingly designed Gopi's character based on inputs from a few friends in the fire department. We tested a lot of looks on him and I need to thank him for being extremely cooperative," he said.
Radha adds that the "subtlety" with which his hero has acted has worked in favour of the film. Gopichand also lost weight to look fit in the titular character.
The film also features a few well-shot fire sequences.
Gopichand had given his nod to the project while working on 2013 Telugu adventure film "Saahasam".
"I was working as an assistant director on 'Saahasam', for which I had also penned the story. It was on the sets of this film, I pitched the story of 'Jil', and he instantly agreed to be part of it. He also put me on to the producers, UV Creations," he said.
Director Radha considers Gopi as his "big brother".
"He supported right till the end. The fact that he helped me find a producer showed how much he cared about the project. I should also thank my producers. They're very passionate and once you convince them with an idea, they'll invest whatever it takes to make the film," he added.
The film, which releases in cinemas on Friday, also features Raashi Khanna in the lead.
Explaining the title "Jil", the director said: "It's a hair-raising moment. It's like a current jolt; something that could be positive as well as negative. To be precise, it's the extreme expression of a feeling."
Shot predominantly in Hyderabad and Mumbai, the team shot the songs in Spain. The film will introduce a Mumbai-based villain called Kabir.
