Varma takes death threats in his stride

Mumbai (IANS) - It seems Ram Gopal Varma is not worried about the death threats he is getting as he is moving around in Hyderabad unescorted and says he isn't being brave, just practical.

"This is not the first time I'm under threat. It has happened to me on several occasions. When in the history of assassinations have security guards been able to save  anyone? The one who is determined to kill you will do so," said Varma, who is visiting his mother in the city.

Supporters of an alleged outlaw Ubala Reddy, who figures prominently in "Rakta Charitra", are not amused by the way their leader has been portrayed in Varma's film.

But Varma is more amused than frightened by these threats.

"They've sent a long legal notice in which they express their misgivings about Ubala Reddy. But I want to know how they know how I've portrayed the character (played by Abhimanyu Singh) when they haven't seen a single frame?"

The director refuses to surrender to such arm-twisting tactics. "They're welcome to do what they like. My film remains unchanged."

While "Rakta Charitra" is scheduled for a Oct 22 release, the release date for the sequel, which is ready too, is not decided yet.

"We decided on doing the sequel simultaneously to save costs. It doesn't matter how  'Rakta Charitra' fares. We'll release the sequel. So far whoever has seen the film has loved it. The best compliment came from a rival actor who said he was sad about it, but  this film would bring Vivek Oberoi back
into the reckoning."