Telugu actress Sumaya Reddy is stepping into multiple roles for her upcoming film "Dear Uma," slated for release on April 18th.1 Not only does she star as the lead, but she also takes on the responsibilities of producer and writer for this project. The film features Prithvi Amber in the male lead, with Nagesh as the line producer and Nithin Reddy as the executive producer.2 Sai Rajesh Mahadev has penned the screenplay and dialogues, and also directed the film.3 The visual narrative is crafted by acclaimed cinematographer Raj Thota, and the soundtrack is composed by the popular Radhan.
In the lead-up to the release, Sumaya Reddy shared her personal journey and motivations behind "Dear Uma" with the media.
Reflecting on her beginnings, Ms. Sumaya Reddy shared, "I hail from Anantapur and my journey began in the world of modeling before I transitioned into acting. Cinema has been a deep-seated passion since my childhood. Initially, I had a somewhat naive perception of filmmaking, quickly realizing it's a far more demanding and intricate process than I had imagined."
Delving into the inspiration behind "Dear Uma," she revealed, "During the challenging period of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was haunted by a recurring dream, day after day. This persistent dream ultimately became the seed for 'Dear Uma.' The story stems from a very personal space within me, and it's been crafted with the intention of striking a chord with audiences on multiple levels."
Speaking about casting Prithvi Amber, Sumaya Reddy explained, "Initially, we approached a few actors within the Telugu film industry, but for various reasons, those collaborations didn't materialize. However, when we narrated the story of 'Dear Uma' to Prithvi Amber, he immediately connected with its essence. Despite our production house being new, he didn't hesitate at all; he joined the project purely because of the story's merit."
Addressing the film's themes, she clarified, "Our intention isn't to critique the medical field as a whole. Instead, we aim to shed light on the operational dynamics within certain corporate hospitals. The narrative explores the potential pitfalls that can arise when the intermediaries between doctors and patients lack competence or ethical integrity."
Defining the genre of "Dear Uma," Sumaya Reddy stated, "'Dear Uma' beautifully blends elements of fiction with stark realities. It goes beyond simply delivering a social message; we also present a potential pathway towards a solution. The film is designed to ignite awareness and encourage thoughtful reflection. Initially, I hadn't planned to juggle both the lead role and production, but it became a necessary evolution as the project took shape."
Regarding the film's financial aspects, she admitted, "Yes, the film's budget definitely exceeded our initial estimates. We brought on board experienced industry professionals like Raj Thota and Radhan, and we also collaborated with some well-known actors. Naturally, the scale and our ambition for the film pushed the budget beyond our original projections."
Comparing her dual roles, Sumaya Reddy confessed, "Producing is undoubtedly the more challenging aspect. Acting feels far more manageable in comparison. As a producer, witnessing large sums of money being spent so rapidly was quite daunting. It was a steep but ultimately invaluable learning experience."
Highlighting the team behind "Dear Uma," she concluded, "I've known Sai Rajesh for a significant period. When I shared the story with him, he immediately resonated with it and joined the team. Radhan's music truly forms the emotional core of the film, while Raj Thota's visuals are guaranteed to captivate audiences. We are incredibly proud of what we have collectively created and are eagerly anticipating sharing it with everyone on April 18th. We sincerely hope that viewers embrace 'Dear Uma' and the important message it carries."
