Interviews

Actor Vadde Naveen is making his comeback with Transfer Trimurthulu, a cop action drama. Vadde Naveen himself produced the movie under the Vadde Creations banner, and Vadde Jishnu is the presenter. Kamal Teja Narla is making his directorial debut. The film stars Rashi Singh, Shilpa Tulaskar, Vivek Raghuvanshi, Raghu Babu, Shivannarayana, Vadlamani Srinivas, Jwala Koti, and others in key roles. The movie is slated for release on June 19, and ahead of the release, Vadde Naveen interacted with the media. Here’s the transcript.

What made you pick this story?

The core idea and plot of Transfer Trimurthulu are unique. I liked the concept immensely. It features thrilling elements, but at the same time, the movie remains family-friendly. My character also feels very fresh and different.

You have come out of your comfort zone for Transfer Trimurthulu. Tell us about it.

The way people watch movies has changed a lot now. Making family dramas or love stories is no longer enough. Audiences want to experience those films that offer various elements along with fresh content. Transfer Trimurthulu is one such film that offers a new concept while also remaining a family entertainer.

What made you produce your comeback film?

I have immense faith in the story. I was not completely sure if another producer would share the same level of confidence. It is not like the story would have changed had some other producer backed it, but I truly believed in the content. Hence, I took the call to bankroll it myself.

Will Transfer Trimurthulu have entertainment as well?

There is an ample amount of entertainment in the character of Trimurthulu itself. Again, the film is not a run-of-the-mill commercial entertainer as audiences might expect. I play a constable who fights against problems while working within the system. It took us one year to complete the script. The movie will be largely realistic. Also, it is not a full-fledged investigative thriller. We included fights and songs only where they were necessary to the story.

Has anyone seen the film?

So far, about a hundred members of my family have watched it. The film left them pleasantly surprised. Many of them expected me to make a film that focused primarily on me. However, after seeing the story and content, everyone was genuinely shocked. I strongly believe audiences will also say that I have made a good film.

Legendary director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is coming up with his most prestigious project, Sing Geetham. The film is produced by Nag Ashwin under the prestigious banners Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema. Ayaan, Ahalya Bamroo, and Shalini Kondepudi play key roles in the film, while Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad has composed the music. The teaser and songs have received a positive response, and the film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on June 11. On this occasion, Devi Sri Prasad interacted with the media and shared insights about the film.

How did you feel when you learned that you would be working with Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu?

I am a huge fan of him. He is a legend. I used to admire him whenever he came to meet my father. Long ago, we planned a film on Jesus with Pawan Kalyan garu, but it didn’t materialize. Around that time, Singeetam garu told me about this idea, and I decided to work on it.

Since Singeetam garu conceived this story long ago, how relevant will it be today?

He never thinks according to trends. His thought process is unique, and no one thinks like him. Even today, Pushpaka Vimanam remains a film that was far ahead of its time. Sing Geetham also carries that kind of relevance.

Is it only a comedy film?

It’s not just a comedy film. Sing Geetham has tremendous emotional depth. Hats off to Singeetam garu. I feel very lucky to be a part of this film.

The dialogues have been turned into songs. Tell us about it.

It was truly a challenging film for me. I read the entire script, and I had to transform every dialogue into music. To work on a film like this, one needs a strong command of the language.

What were the challenges for you?

Most films follow a certain format, but for Sing Geetham, I had to create one. I used to segregate the music into different parts and send them across. Based on the feedback, I made changes and refined the work.

How did you feel after watching the final output?

We all watched the film yesterday at the studio. We were awestruck by Singeetam garu’s vision. We understood how uniquely he thinks. It gave me immense satisfaction.

What kind of experience will the film offer to the audience?

It will offer a completely different experience. Just like the characters in the film, audiences will leave the theatres conversing in a singing style. More importantly, the film will inspire people, as it has been made by a 94-year-old filmmaker.

Mega Power Star Ram Charan’s most-awaited sports action drama Peddi is set for release on June 4. Paid previews are scheduled for tomorrow. The promotional content mesmerized audiences, and the film is surrounded by solid buzz. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the movie stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru of Vriddhi Cinemas, the film is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Ahead of the release, Buchi Babu Sana interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.
Tell us about the Peddi journey.

My first film, Uppena, was a blockbuster, and I’m coming back after a five-year gap. Generally, such a long gap usually doesn’t happen when a debut film turns out to be a blockbuster, but it happened in my case (laughs). My guru, Sukumar garu, took me to Charan sir, and he liked the script and came on board instantly. After he gave the nod, we completed the shoot in about one and a half years.

Since Peddi is a sports-based film, what kind of care did you take?

Everyone is familiar with cricket, but we took additional care with regard to wrestling. We roped in the trainer who coached Aamir Khan garu for Dangal. We also worked with pehelwans from Telangana. We trained the artists, and Charan sir underwent intense training for about three to four months.

Peddi’s success is so crucial to the industry, right?

The success of a film is equally important for the industry, the director, the hero, and all those associated with the project. But right now, the success of Peddi is more vital to the industry, and the scenario was the same for Uppena too. Back then, there were doubts about whether audiences would return to theatres after COVID-19. People encouraged us, and it became a big hit.

Tell us about Shiva Rajkumar garu, Jagapathi Babu garu, and Divyenndu’s characters.

They were the perfect fit for the roles they have essayed. Shivanna garu will be seen as a guru, and he strives hard to prevent the sport from becoming extinct. The Appalasoori character, played by Jagapathi Babu garu, carries a lot of emotional weight. It is the second most powerful character after the protagonist. Divyenndu’s character will be crazy.

Tell us about AR Rahman garu.

I like Rahman garu a lot, and it has been my long-cherished dream to work with him. I am happy that it happened with Peddi. I have enjoyed working with Rahman garu, and I would love to work with him throughout my career. There are two more songs in the film that we haven’t released yet, and they will be amazing.

A lot is being said about the climax of Peddi. Can you tell us about it?

Presenting a commercial hero in an organic way is very risky. You have to experience it on the big screen. Everyone who has seen the climax has said great things about it.

What can the audience expect from Peddi?

Peddi is a film that can be enjoyed with the family. There will be strong emotions, and the movie will also be commercial. You won’t see Charan sir in the film; you will only see Peddi. Everyone will connect with the Peddi character and his memorable journey.

Did Chiranjeevi garu watch the film?

Not yet. I am eagerly waiting for him to watch the film and share his reaction. Surekha ma’am watched a sequence, and she became very emotional.

Tharun Bhascker is coming up with a quirky entertainer titled Gayapadda Simham. Kasyap Sreenivas is the director, and the film is produced jointly by Kalyana Chakravarthy Manthina, Bhanu Kiran Pratapa, Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni, and Umesh Bansal under Saptaswa Media Works, POV Stories, and Zee Studios. Manasa Choudhary and Faria Abdullah play the female leads. Ahead of the release on May 1, Faria Abdullah interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.

Tell us about your character in the film.

I did a good cameo role in Gaayapadda Simham. I play Shalini, a vlogger. Also, I have a romantic track with Tharun garu. Director Kashyap garu wrote my character in a different way. Everything is hilarious about Gaayapadda Simham.

Could you tell us about the story?

The story has many layers, and every character holds prominence. My role has a fun element which audiences will enjoy. This is a film with ultimate repeat value.

How do you pick stories?

If I like a story then definitely I will be part of that film. Gaayapadda Simham has a crazy plot. It sounded new and it will entertain audiences.

How was it working with Tharun Bhascker garu?

He is a jovial person. His comedy timing will be on another level. I enjoyed working with Tharun Bhascker garu. Even his small expression will leave me in splits. I saw the final output. I firmly believe the film will be a hit.

Tell us about the director.

Kashyap garu’s comedy timing is very peculiar. He handled action, comedy, and romance superbly. He also played a role in the film. Not just his direction, but his acting is also amazing.

Tell us about your future projects.

I am writing stories currently, and I plan to direct a film next year. As a performer, I am doing Bhagavanthudu and Sigma. Two more projects will kickstart soon. Also, I have a film lined-up with Satyadev garu.

Tharun Bhascker will be next seen in the quirky entertainer Gayapadda Simham. Kasyap Sreenivas is the writer and director for this film, produced jointly by Kalyana Chakravarthy Manthina, Bhanu Kiran Pratapa, Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni, and Umesh Bansal under Saptaswa Media Works, POV Stories, and Zee Studios. It is presented by Pavan Sadineni. Faria Abdullah and Maanasa Choudhary played female leads, while JD Chakravarthy played a key role. Ahead of the release on May 1, JD Chakravarthy interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.

What made you come on board for Gayappada Simham?

When something is challenging in the character arc, it excites any artist. I told one thing when my character glimpse was released. I am repeating it. The characters played by Kamal Haasan garu weren’t done by others. With Gayappada Simham, I achieved what Kamal Haasan garu couldn’t with regard to the character. It’s a very unique role.

You are doing films at a very slow pace. Do you take time to pick stories?

From the starting days of my career, I have always followed this approach. Only if I like a story will I do a film.

Will Dharma’s character stand out more than the hero’s role?

Only when the story is good will a film perform well. My character name in Shiva became my own name. People will recognize only when you say JD Chakravarthy. In the same way, Bhavani, Satya, Bhiku Matre, and Kallumama characters became memorable. But when the story doesn’t work out, characters won’t strike a chord. Even if the character clicks, the movie won’t. My favorite character is in “Wife of V. Varaprasad,” but that movie didn’t perform.

A few words about director Kashyap Sreenivas.

Kashyap Sreenivas earlier worked on short films and web shows. I liked his style very much. He is very confident. He made the film with realistic and hilarious elements.

Do you think OTTs are affecting theatres?

New content is being created because of OTT. In the same manner, for a film to do well in theatres, the content must be good. A small film like Little Hearts did well in theatres. Now, audiences have multiple options. If they don’t like something, they won’t watch it on OTT either.

Adivi Sesh, known for his strong script choices, is gearing up to entertain audiences with the romantic action drama Dacoit. The movie, also starring Mrunal Thakur, is set to hit theatres on April 10. The film is backed by Supriya Yarlagadda and co-produced by Suniel Narang, with Annapurna Studios presenting it. Dacoit marks the directorial debut of Shaniel Deo and the Tollywood debut of Anurag Kashyap. Ahead of the release, Adivi Sesh interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.

Your previous films also had love stories. What’s so unique about Dacoit?

In my previous films, love stories became helpful in reaching the big platform. They were a small part of the films. For Dacoit love story forms the core. You will love to see action in a romantic film, but you will be disappointed to see a romantic track in an actioner. Emotions will be organic.

Dacoit was delayed. What’s the reason for it?

To be honest, there was no delay. It’s the way I do films. For the last two years, I have been working non-stop. Since there hasn’t been a release, you might feel that way.

Whose idea was it to include the Kannepettaro song remix?

In one of the scenes, the protagonist will be in an enjoyable mood. When narrating that sequence, Surpiya garu asked me when I danced for the first time. I told her that I danced to Kannepettaro and Cheez Bade Hey songs. She suggested that we should include those songs. The placement of the song will be good.

When did you think of releasing Dacoit in Dolby Cinema?

We had that thought from the very beginning. One day, Allu Aravind Garu called and asked me for collaboration, as he felt the movie was promising. I was very pleased to hear that and agreed without any second thoughts.

What challenges did you face while doing stunts?

It’s always tough doing stunts and chase sequences. I got hurt in the knee, too. Hence, the production was delayed by two to three months. Because of the injury, Goodachari 2 was also affected. Doctors suggested me not to perform action sequences. In Dacoit, fights are more in number than stunts. We shot on top of the mountains in extreme heat.

You look the same as you did during your initial days. What’s the secret?

I don’t smoke. I don’t consume alcohol. Also, I won’t eat non-veg food. Since I grew up in America, I can’t eat spicy food (laughs).

With the Pan-India action romantic thriller Dacoit set to hit theaters on April 10, 2026, Mrunal Thakur is all set to showcase a completely new side of herself. Starring Adivi Sesh and featuring Anurag Kashyap in a key role, the film is directed by debutant Shaniel Deo and backed by Annapurna Studios. On this occasion, we caught up with Mrunal Thakur for a quick chat. Here are the excerpts.

What drew you to Dacoit and your character Saraswati?

What really excited me was the emotional journey of the character. Saraswati is layered and complex, and the story explores why these characters turn into dacoits. It’s not just action, there’s a unique love story at the heart of it. That’s what made it very interesting for me.

You’re known for emotional roles. How different is this one?

This is completely different from what I’ve done before. Saraswati is one of the most challenging roles in my career. There’s action, intensity, and a raw emotional side. It pushed me as an actor and gave me a lot of satisfaction.

We see you doing action in the trailer. How was that experience?

I really enjoyed it. I love driving, so the chase sequences were exciting. But they were also quite risky. I had to perform intense driving scenes, including handling an ambulance in high-pressure moments. It was challenging but very thrilling.

How different is Saraswati from Sita in Sita Ramam?

They are completely different. Audiences have seen me in a certain light before, but this film shows a totally new side. I think that surprise factor will really connect.

How was it working with Adivi Sesh and Anurag Kashyap?

Sesh is extremely dedicated and very involved in every aspect of filmmaking. It was inspiring to work with him, and I feel this will be one of his best performances. Anurag sir is very versatile, and his role in the film will be quite special.

The film is shot in both Telugu and Hindi. Was that challenging?

Yes, performing in two languages added a layer of difficulty, but it also made the experience more exciting. It required a different level of focus.

The music has already created buzz. What can we expect?

Yes, “Rubaroo” has been getting great response, and there’s more to come. The music is definitely one of the highlights of the film.

What can audiences expect from Dacoit overall?

It’s a film with strong emotions, intense action, and a different kind of love story. Visually also, it will feel very fresh. It’s a complete theatrical experience, and I’m sure it will surprise audiences.

Sharwanand is gearing up for the release of Biker, touted to be India’s first motocross adventure film. The film directed by Abhilash Reddy is set to hit theaters on April 3. Backed by UV Creations, the film releases across multiple high-end formats, including Dolby Cinema, EPIQ, 4DX, and PCX. Malavika Nair and Rajasekhar played key roles. Ahead of the release, Rajasekhar interacted with the media, sharing details about his role, and here is the transcript.

What made you be a part of Biker?

Whatever the character may be, I need to like it first. Only then will I agree to do it. Most importantly, apart from my role, the story should also be good. That’s when a film becomes a big hit. Both my character and the story impressed me a lot with this film. Biker is a superhit film from a story point of view. Also, my character has come out superbly. Hence, I am eagerly looking forward to the release.

A few words about director Abhilash Reddy.

Abhilash garu is a skilled filmmaker. He knows how to extract performances from actors and has immense clarity. He has a solid grip over the story and doesn’t compromise until his vision is achieved.

How did he design your character?

He had complete clarity about my role from the very beginning and presented me in a unique manner. Abhilash is a director with a strong vision. The output was great because of the story, and the audience will definitely appreciate my character. The film also has strong emotional depth.

How supportive is your family when it comes to your films?

My family has always been my biggest strength. I did a great job in Biker because of Jeevitha and my children. They treated me like a child during the shoot. Cinema runs in our blood. Whenever new films are released, we go to the theatres together. When someone approaches me for a role, we all sit and discuss it.

Could you tell us about your future projects?

I am doing a film titled Magadu with Pavan Sadineni. It is 80% complete, and the remaining portions will be shot next month. I am also working on another film with Ramya, Vishwadev, and Shivani, which is currently in production. The title will be announced soon. I am confident that both projects will turn out as good as Biker.

Director Manasa Sharma is confident that her upcoming film Raakaasaa, headlined by Sangeeth Shoban and Nayan Sarika, will give audiences a fresh reason to visit the theaters. Presented by Zee Studios and produced by Niharika Konidela alongside Umesh Kumar Bansal under the Pink Elephant Pictures banner, the film blends fantasy, adventure, and comedy with a touch of horror.

During a recent media interaction, Manasa Sharma opened up about the making of the film, the casting choices, and what viewers can actually expect when they buy a ticket.

Tell us about yourself.

I am from Srikakulam. Raakaasaa is my fourth major project, following the YouTube series Mad House, Oka Chinna Family Story, and Bench Life. Originally, I pitched this exact story as a Netflix series. Sangeeth Shoban heard the narration back then and liked it immediately. Once it shifted into a feature film, he came on board. He is a perfect fit with solid comedy timing. I already knew Nayan Sarika from previous work.

What is the special attraction of Raakaasaa?

Raakaasaa blends fantasy, adventure, and comedy. The teaser has been watched by everyone, and very soon we will launch the trailer. After the trailer drops, the audience will get more clarity about our film. Comedy takes center stage in our film.

What new elements can the audience expect?

This is a film that demands a theatrical experience. It’s a fictional story, and every character will surely impress. Raakaasaa is a beautiful Chandamama-style visual saga.

Did you face any challenges regarding VFX?

Since the second half relies heavily on visual effects, we had to be smart about the shooting schedule. Hence, we shot the second half first. This gave the post-production team plenty of time to work on the VFX while we moved on to film the first half. This practical planning helped us stay on track and largely within our planned budget.

How was the working experience with Niharika?

I share a good rapport with Niharika Konidela. Projects at Pink Elephant Pictures generally don’t face long delays. For context, Oka Chinna Family Story wrapped up in just nine months, and Committee Kurrollu took a year and a half. She is an efficient producer who knows how to balance things.