Interviews

Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja’s new film Irumudi is arriving this Friday. The emotional family drama, directed by Shiva Nirvana, features Priya Bhavani Shankar as the female lead. Mythri Movie Makers has bankrolled the film. Ahead of the release, Shiva Nirvana interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.

Each and every promotional asset clicked well, raising expectations. Will the film live up to them?

There are three layers in the film — Ayyappa Swamy Mala, family drama, and crime angle. We planned the promotions accordingly. With the trailer, we gave a hint of what the film is about. Audiences are well prepared now. Irumudi will live up to expectations.

What preparation did you do to present Ravi Teja in a new manner?

When a new point is explored and a star becomes a part of it, the reach will be on another level. The Ayyappa Swamy backdrop is new, and if a star like Ravi Teja garu headlines it, the reach will be massive.

When the first look was released, there were comparisons with Maalikapuram, right? How did you feel?

Very few films have explored the Ayyappa Swamy backdrop in the South. Long ago, a film called Ayyappa Swamy Mahathyam came. We haven’t had a star like Ravi Teja featuring in such a film. Since there aren’t many films in this space, comparisons are quite common. I didn’t worry about it much because I know my content.

Was Ravi Teja the first choice?

I didn’t think about actors when I wrote the script. But later, I felt Ravi Teja garu would be the right fit. His beard and look have perfectly aligned with the protagonist’s role. He gave me complete freedom and didn’t pressurize me.

Tell us about Baby Nakshatra.

We needed a lot of nativity for this character. She should look like a kid from our home. That’s when I came across her Instagram Reels. We did a look test and shot two test videos. Later, we felt she was the perfect choice.

Irumudi looks very different from your previous works. How do you see this?

I intend to tell every story in the best way. Ninnu Kori and Majili are memorable films. Even when I’m not in the industry, people should talk about my stories. Such intensity is generally found in love stories. The Irumudi story also came out pretty well, blending family and crime elements.

After Malli Pelli, veteran producer MS Raju once again returned to the director’s chair with the horror thriller Agadha. The movie starring Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Ulka Gupta, and Shravan Reddy releases on August 14. It is produced by Kasi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Adi Varaha Productions LLP banner and presented by Ajay KR. Ahead of the release, MS Raju interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.
What is meant by Agadha?

Once the title was announced, many searched for its meaning online. Agadha can be defined as something profound or a void. We haven’t seen gods or ghosts. The Agadha story is about the battle between those forces. Currently, youth and the masses are driving the openings. Later, with word of mouth, the family audience will flock to theatres. At the pre-release event, Shyam Prasad Reddy garu said that, knowing everything about me, I wouldn’t make another horror film. As he said, Agadha is much more than a horror film. The evil force that works against God is shown as Agadha.

What research did you do for this film?

I traveled to a lot of places and did a lot of research. But that is not required for the audience. I made sure Agadha would appeal to a wide range of audiences instead of approaching it as an art film. I added fantasy to the reality that I know to deliver a cinematic experience. During Devi, I faced many financial hurdles, but a powerful force showed me the way forward. I felt the same even for Agadha. I wanted to make a film on an evil force, keeping this generation in mind. I also wanted to attract the multiplex audience.

You seem to be highly confident in the film’s success?

I never openly said on stage that a film of mine was good. But after watching Agadha, I was satisfied and strongly felt that it would do well at the box office. I said the same thing. I am sure that people will also receive the movie in the same way as I did.

Tell us about the film’s distribution.

Initially, I didn’t want to sell the film to others. But once the trailer dropped, I received many calls for distribution. Hombale Films approached me from Kannada. A few from Geetha Arts and Annapurna Studios have seen the film. I wanted to release the film here first and then in other languages. Dubbing has also been done for other languages.

Will you continue as the director going forward, or will you produce movies?

Lately, I have been focusing on story, screenplay, writing, and making. I am not concentrating on financial matters. For Dirty Hari and Agadha, my friends came forward to produce. Hence, I am only focusing on making rather than money matters.

Is the Agadha 2 story ready?

After Agadha releases, I will tell if it’s a prequel or a sequel. This film has the scope for another installment. Agadha is a mystic divine thriller. It will appeal to all sections of the audience.

Interview: Varun Tej – Korean Kanakaraju is an out-and-out entertainer

Mega Prince Varun Tej will next be seen in the horror-comedy entertainer Korean Kanakaraju. The film, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, features Ritika Nayak as the female lead. The movie is jointly produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Baba Jagarlamudi under the banners of UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments. Thaman is the music composer. Ahead of the release tomorrow, Varun Tej interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.
What aspects of the Korean Kanakaraju story impressed you?

I liked the entertainment the most. Even during the narration, I was laughing nonstop. I usually listen to a story as a viewer watching a film in a theatre. Like every actor, I wish to do versatile roles. After COVID, I have been doing more serious films. I wanted to do an entertaining film. Korean Kanakaraju was made with the intention of amusing the audience for two and a half hours.

Premieres are filling up fast. Has the pressure reduced?

We completed shooting much earlier, and we had ample time for post-production. The film has come out very well, and hence we are exuding the same confidence during promotions. Director Gandhi, Ritika, and Satya promoted the film wholeheartedly, treating it as their own. With the teaser and trailer, audiences have decided to watch the film, and the same is being reflected in the bookings.

You approached promotions quite differently. Tell us about it.

We need to do something unique to take the film closer to the audience these days. Also, the promotional campaign should be in sync with the film’s content. Some said that we revealed the whole story, but we wanted to prepare the audience. Korean Kanakaraju is an out-and-out entertainer. It is tough to edit trailers for this kind of film.

How was it learning Korean?

I like learning new things, and that’s one of the reasons I became an actor. I love playing new roles and being able to behave like a new person. I work hard to ensure that the character appears on the screen and not me.

Some are comparing the film to OG. What do you say about it?

For Kalyan Babai’s fans, OG is very special, and it left a huge impact. It has a Japanese touch. Hence, some might have felt that way. But Korean Kanakaraju is in no way similar to OG.

How are you maintaining a work-life balance?

After Lavanya and I were blessed with a baby boy, I didn’t have any shootings, and hence I spent more time at home. But whenever there is a shoot, I miss them. I am at home only when there is no shooting. I travel only with my family. It is important to balance professional and personal lives.

Mega Prince Varun Tej will next be seen in the horror-comedy entertainer Korean Kanakaraju. The film, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, features Ritika Nayak as the female lead. It is set to hit the big screens on August 7, 2026. The movie is jointly produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Baba Jagarlamudi under the banners of UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments. Thaman is the music composer. Ahead of the release, Merlapaka Gandhi interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.

From where did the story originate?

I went to a marriage with friends in Anantapur. We stopped at the Kia factory, and that spot was visually superb. We got to know that there are restaurants, a community, and markets specially designed for Koreans working at the company. It piqued my interest instantly. That is when I thought of an idea to unite Anantapur and Korea. This is how the idea for Korean Kanakaraju stemmed.

Was this story written for Varun Tej?

No, I had a different story for him. Later, I told him the Korean Kanakaraju concept. He liked it very much and asked me to develop it. Later, I gave the final narration, and he was heavily impressed. He also suggested minor changes. I like his acting. He always attempts new concepts. Varun did a solid job in Korean Kanakaraju, playing two shades.

Tell us about Ritika’s role.

She works in a Korean factory in the film and loves Korean culture. In real life, Ritika knows the Korean language, and her look also matches their culture. There are many Korean dialogues in the film. We brought tutors from Korea to train the lead pair. Also, for the Anantapur slang, we sought help from local tutors.

Did you get permission to shoot in Korea easily?

No. If we want to go there, or even if they need to come here, there is a huge process involved. We shot on a Korean island for 20 days. Once the script was locked, we wanted to shoot there. Also, it costs a lot to film in Korea. Hence, we went there with a minimum crew. We also shot some portions in Kazakhstan.

How confident are you about the film?

We will surely entertain audiences with Korean Kanakaraju. Varun Tej and I took extreme care regarding the film. We worked very hard with the motive of scoring a big hit.

What about your upcoming projects?

I am currently working on a story. It also belongs to the comedy thriller genre. Comedy is my comfort genre.

Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni, the grandson of legendary superstar Krishna and nephew of Mahesh Babu, is making his movie debut with Srinivasa Mangapuram. Ajay Bhupathi is the director. The film also introduces Bollywood actress Rasha Thadani, daughter of Raveena Tandon, to Telugu cinema. Senior actor Dr Mohan Babu plays the antagonist. Backed by producer P Kiran, the film is presented by Ashwini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies. Ahead of the release, Jaya Krishna interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.

When did you decide to become an actor?

I have been admiring movies since my childhood. When I was 16, I decided to become an actor. Then I took proper training. I trained in Mumbai, Pondicherry, and New York. After coming back, I started listening to stories.

How did the journey of Srinivasa Mangapuram start?

It all started with Gemini Kiran garu. He introduced me to Ajay Bhupathi garu. Even before this, I heard a few scripts, but the one narrated by Ajay garu felt amazing. I decided to make my debut with a good character and script.

How was your family’s support? Did Mahesh garu see the film?

Everyone in the family supported me. Mahesh uncle guided me in every aspect. He watched the film and felt happy. He even texted me saying that he liked the action sequences and songs. He said I looked completely different on screen.

How was it working with Vyjayanthi Movies?

I share a good bond with Ashwini Dutt garu. It feels great to be introduced through Vyjayanthi Movies. Even Mahesh uncle was launched through Vyjayanthi. I believe the result will also be the same.

Don’t you feel the pressure?

Even before I started the film, Ghattamaneni fans supported me. So, I was mindful that I should live up to their love and trust. I think pressure is a good thing. It helps me choose good scripts. I want to get closer to the fans.

Describe what the film will be like.

Srinivasa Mangapuram will be realistic and rustic. This isn’t a template love story. The emotions are very strong, and the twists will be unique. It was a good experience working with Rasha Thadani.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan marks his final outing in cinema before dedicating himself full-time to politics. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju in pivotal roles. Produced on a massive scale by Venkat K. Narayana under the prestigious KVN Productions banner, the highly anticipated film is set for a worldwide release on July 23. Ahead of the release, the producer interacted with the media and shared some insights about the film. Here’s the transcript.

You faced a few hurdles regarding the film’s release. Did you anticipate them?

We did expect some challenges. Vijay sir had even warned us about them beforehand. However, we only anticipated hurdles related to the theatrical release. What we eventually went through was far beyond our expectations. We never imagined facing so many issues at the same time, including release delays, piracy, and court cases. On the brighter side, the film is releasing after Vijay sir became the Chief Minister, which has further increased the excitement among fans.

You have achieved great success in business. What inspired you to enter the film industry?

I have loved movies since childhood. Cinema teaches us many things that books cannot. Songs, lyrics, and stories leave a lasting impact on our lives. In Peddi, there’s a dialogue: “Why live such a long life if you’re going to live it the same way?” I absolutely loved that line. Powerful ideas like these can be effectively conveyed to society through cinema. Entering the film industry was always on my bucket list.

How did your journey with Thalapathy Vijay begin?

This is my first Tamil film. I already knew Vijay sir’s manager, and we had discussions during the time of Leo. I came to know that Vijay sir was planning one more film after GOAT. Since I have always admired his work, I conveyed my interest through his manager. The project was finalized in just one meeting.

Whose idea was it to take Bhagavanth Kesari as an inspiration for Jana Nayagan?

Vijay sir really liked Bhagavanth Kesari, and so did I. We only took inspiration from two scenes and built the rest of the story in a completely different world. We also discussed it with Anil Ravipudi. We intended to present a fresh story to the audience. We were completely honest while cutting the trailer and never tried to hide the fact that two scenes were inspired by Bhagavanth Kesari. While the trailer may create a certain impression, the film unfolds in a completely new world with a fresh conflict. Apart from the basic thread of a young girl joining the Army, everything else is entirely original. If audiences watch the film with an open mind, they will experience a fresh and emotionally powerful story.

You faced several challenges with the censor certification. What is your reaction to the entire process?

The film carries a strong message about empowering the girl child and bringing about positive social change. Bhagavanth Kesari even won a National Award. It was disappointing that our film was initially awarded a U/A certificate but was later changed to an A certificate. Since this is a film meant to inspire young audiences, we hoped families could watch it together so the message would reach more people. However, we respect the Censor Board’s decision, which was taken from its perspective.

Jana Nayagan was delayed significantly. What challenges did you face as a producer?

When a film of this scale misses its planned release date, the challenges for a producer multiply. The delay impacts not only the producer but the entire ecosystem associated with the film. Despite that, we believe that when the destination is great, the journey is bound to be difficult. Great victories never come easy, and God places the crown only after the battle.

Journalist-turned-producer SKN left a mark with films like Taxiwala and Baby. He is now bringing Chennai Love Story to the audience. The film stars Kiran Abbavaram and Sri Gouri Priya in the lead roles and is produced by SKN and Sai Rajesh under the Amrutha Productions and Mass Movie Makers banners. Sai Rajesh has provided the story, while Ravi Namburi directed the film. Melody Brahma Mani Sharma has composed the music. Chennai Love Story is set to release on July 24. During a recent interview, SKN shared some highlights about the film.

Why is the film titled Chennai Love Story?

Our lead couple is Telugu, but they live in Chennai, which is why we named the film Chennai Love Story. After the massive success of Baby, expectations from us have increased considerably. We wanted to return only with a genuinely good film, so we took nearly a year. The story and screenplay narrated by National Award-winning writer Sai Rajesh impressed us greatly, and we decided to produce it together.

Why did you cast Kiran Abbavaram for Chennai Love Story?

He did complete justice to our vision. People have mostly seen him in boy-next-door and mass roles. But Chennai Love Story showcases a new level of maturity in his performance. I am sure he will get nominated for all major awards. During the shoot of the film, I witnessed his immense passion for cinema.

What is the film about?

Whether it is first love or second love, both are a part of our lives. Just because someone doesn’t succeed in their first love doesn’t mean they can never fall in love again. Life always moves forward. Baby was built around the theme of first love, while Chennai Love Story celebrates the beauty and prominence of second love. This isn’t a tragic film.

Tell us about the director.

Ravi Namburi is like our brother. He has been associated with us for a long time. He worked on Baby and also narrated a web series to us. We are happy to be making Chennai Love Story with Ravi. He is a talented technician and excellent dialogue writer.

Does the film feature any controversial elements?

Whenever path-breaking films like Arjun Reddy, Animal, or Baby are released, they often generate controversy. Chennai Love Story doesn’t contain such controversial content. It is a film based purely on emotional depth.

What will be the ticket prices for Chennai Love Story?

We are not increasing the prices. Our primary target audience is families and youth. We want the film to be watched by everyone. If more people come and watch the film, it gives us the greatest satisfaction.

Satya Dev’s Rao Bahadur is coming to cinemas on July 3. Directed by Venkatesh Maha, the psychological drama is presented by Superstar Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar under GMB Entertainment. A+S Movies and Sri Chakraas Entertainments bankrolled the movie. Ahead of the release, Satya Dev interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.

Your team is extremely confident about the film. What’s the reason?

It’s because we have already watched the movie. When we started the film, we came up with the tagline ‘Telugu cinema like never before,’ and now Mahesh Babu garu has also made the same remark. Directors who have seen the film so far have also said the same thing. Hence, we are super confident.

What exactly is the film’s genre?

This is a complete psychological drama with elements of magical realism and dark comedy. Showing a metaphor visually is called magical realism. But you might get horror vibes sometimes. You would have seen the visual where tree roots are chasing me. While watching the film, you will clearly understand it.

This is the most challenging character in your career, right?

Yes. So far, my career was described as before Jyothi Lakshmi and after Jyothi Lakshmi. Now, Rao Bahadur has taken that spot. I am very confident the audience will also feel the same way.

What were your references for the Ramappa character?

To be frank, there were no references as such. Ramappa is a mad character. After watching this film, artists will take Ramappa as a reference. While shooting, I felt Ramappa had possessed me. That’s how much I was involved in the character.

What time period is the film set in?

The story spans from 1960 to 1999. In this film, the protagonist is a traveler. He keeps traveling across the country. Once, he visits Bhuvanalayam. The incidents he experiences there will be very exciting.

How well do you think the movie will connect with the audience?

Rao Bahadur’s story will have universal appeal. Everyone can easily understand it, but I can’t reveal what it is now. While watching the movie, the audience will understand why Ramappa is behaving in a certain manner and travel with him.

Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure is an upcoming pan-Indian mythological fantasy adventure thriller that has been generating strong buzz. Starring Virat Karna in the lead role and directed by Abhishek Nama, the film is all set to release on July 3, 2026. Ahead of its release, we caught up with Virat Karna for an interaction, where he spoke about landing the project, preparing for his role, working with the team, and his upcoming films.

How did you become a part of Nagabandham?

After the release of Pedha Kapu 1, I learned that Abhishek Nama garu was looking for an actor who would suit the role of Rudra in Nagabandham. I felt I was the right choice for the character, so I approached him and I liked the story. He liked my performance as well, and that’s how I came on board.

What can audiences expect from Nagabandham?

As you’ve already seen in the teaser and trailer, the film is set against the backdrop of ancient Vishnu temples, a mysterious divine ritual, and forgotten legends. It has plenty of thrilling moments, and we’re confident audiences will enjoy the experience. Everyone associated with the film gave their best, and the producers didn’t compromise on the scale. Now, it’s up to the audience to decide the result.

How did you prepare for the role?

I play Rudra in the film, so I underwent physical training, spent a lot of time in the gym, and learned horse riding to make the character look authentic. At the same time, I wanted to prepare mentally as well. I used to wake up early every morning, perform pooja, and listen to Shiva mantras. It gave me positive energy and helped me stay connected with the character throughout the shoot.

Playing the Nagasadhu was physically challenging. During one of the night schedules in December, I had to perform almost half naked in the cold weather with strong winds blowing. It was extremely uncomfortable, but we completed the scene, and it has turned out really well.

Since the characters are rooted in mythology, what were your references?

I attended acting workshops to prepare for both looks. Chiranjeevi garu and Sr. NTR garu were my biggest inspirations because they portrayed mythological characters so convincingly on screen. Bhagyashri also guided me extensively with the accent, character development, and several other aspects of my performance. I’m grateful to her for all the support. I also gained nearly 20 kg for the role of Rudra. For the Nagasadhu look, applying the makeup took around six hours every day, and removing it took another hour.

How was it working with director Abhishek Nama?

Abhishek Nama garu has a clear vision and knows exactly what he wants from every scene. He also took great care of me during the shoot, especially while filming physically demanding sequences. At one point, I was slightly nervous about the way my character was being presented, but he was always confident in his vision. He approaches everything from the audience’s perspective. I sincerely thank him for believing in me. Making a film on a budget of over Rs. 100 crore with an almost newcomer in the lead is a huge responsibility, and we’re confident the film will receive a positive response.

What did you learn from the result of Pedha Kapu 1?

I genuinely believed Pedha Kapu 1 would work because everyone had put in a lot of effort. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way we expected. That experience taught me that an actor’s responsibility is to stay committed to the role and give his best. The final result is never in our hands. As a newcomer, I was naturally disappointed, but the experience made me stronger and gave me more confidence to move forward.

What can we expect from you next?

I have two exciting projects in the pipeline, and I’ll announce them after the release of Nagabandham. One of them is a superhero film, and that’s all I can reveal at this point.

The upcoming Telugu film Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure, directed by Abhishek Nama, has generated very good buzz with its promotional content. Slated for a July 3 release, the movie features Virat Karrna, Nabha Natesh, and Iswarya Menon in the lead roles. The film is jointly produced by Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Nagireddy under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures. Ahead of the release, the producers interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.

How did you become a part of the film?

We successfully ran a software company. We intended to diversify and felt the movie industry had good potential. We heard another story before Nagabandham, and it was supposed to be made with a top hero. But since we were new, the opportunity wasn’t given to us. Ravinder Reddy garu told us about Abhishek Nama garu’s script. That’s how we met Abhishek Nama garu, and we liked his vision. As the story kept developing, our confidence levels increased. Nagabandham’s content made us invest Rs. 110 crores.

Cinema is a risky business, right?

Risk is a part and parcel of every industry. When we established our startup, most of our peers used to go abroad for jobs. We broke that trend. Though we were IIT graduates, we worked hard for four years without any revenue. In the same way, we took a risk in the film industry.

Director Abhishek Nama and hero Virat Karrna are new to the industry. How did you invest so much in them?

We have immense confidence in the content. We wanted to make a larger-than-life mythological film. We watched Devil, and for Nagabandham, Abhishek Nama garu did excellent pre-production work. We believe in his vision. We felt Virat Karrna was the right fit for the protagonist. He underwent a stunning physical transformation, and his dedication is awesome.

Did you watch the final output?

Yes, and we are happy with what we have made. The visuals came out superbly. The movie exceeded our expectations, and every rupee spent is visible on the screen. Nagabandham is a visual spectacle.

What challenges did you face during the production?

We built huge sets for Nagabandham. The costs involved were high, and we also had to employ more staff. Deciding how much of the film should be built through practical sets and how much should rely on visual effects was the biggest challenge we faced.

How are the PAN-Indian promotions going?

We are getting a solid response from every language. Everyone who has seen the visuals is mesmerized. Popular Bollywood analysts told us that the movie will reach great heights if promoted well. We didn’t compromise on the marketing. We are carrying out massive promotions across North India.