Telugu Film Industry Is The Most Professional One In India

QEveryone is talking about ‘Jatadhara’ being a big-budget film!

It is true that Jatadhara is an expensive film — it will be one of the most expensive Telugu films ever. It is being positioned in Hindi also, and will be dubbed in other South Indian languages too.

QWas it a deliberate strategy to have both Telugu and Bollywood actors?

Of course! The aim was to make a pan-India film.

QTell us about your partnership with Zee Studios.

This is my second collaboration with Zee after Rustom, and I’m so happy. My relationship with Zee is much more than monetary. There’s so much freedom to work creatively. Today, things are so tough and highly competitive, and when a film is backed and presented by an established studio, it gets muscle. I feel secure as an independent film producer. A studio is like an umbrella and I feel so protected.

QIs ‘Jatadhara’ a horror-comedy like Stree?

Not really. There is no funny business in Jatadhara. I love Raj and DK, I’ve always admired them. But our film is a supernatural thriller, not a horror-comedy. I’m not a filmmaker who follows a trend. I'm one who breaks the trend. I’m not being pompous or over-confident, what I’m trying to say is that my films are original. As a producer and a member of the audience, I make sure not to make things very complex for people. I think I understand emotions. I don’t want to follow any trend. I want to walk the road not taken.

QWhat was it like working with Sudheer Babu?

He has always been my favourite actor in the Telugu industry, and he has done a brilliant job. Since Jatadhara is a pan-India film and since he has a lot of recognition in Mumbai, I think this is really going to bring in the crowds. I’m really fortunate to work with people who I adore, and working with them brings a special happiness.

Q How was it working with Sonakshi Sinha?

She is a really beautiful person, a beautiful actress. This was my first film with her, and I was totally in awe of her personality and dignity. She is so professional and also supportive to a producer.

QWhen is ‘Jatadhara’ releasing?

It’s for Zee Studios to announce a date, but it will be very soon, and I’m excited about it.

QTell us about your next project.

My next film is another Telugu pan-India one, made in partnership. I’ll leave it there for now, apart from saying that I feel the Telugu film industry is the most professional and no-nonsense one in India.