Following the recent blockbuster Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Sri Venkateswara Creations is back with another highly anticipated entertainer, "Thammudu." Starring Nithiin in the lead role and helmed by director Sriram Venu, the film, produced by Dil Raju and Shirish, held its grand release trailer launch yesterday in Hyderabad. With actresses Laya, Varsha Bollamma, and Sapthami Gowda in pivotal roles, "Thammudu" is set for a worldwide theatrical release on July 4th.
Producer Dil Raju expressed strong confidence in the film, stating, "After our Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, 'Thammudu' is shaping up to be another superhit under our SVC banner." Director Sriram Venu reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing, "'Thammudu' has been crafted as a pure theatrical experience."
Cinematographer KV Guhan praised the collaborative environment: "Working under Dil Raju's banner feels like working from home. Three DOPs worked on 'Thammudu,' but audiences won't notice any difference while watching. Not just us technicians, even the actors gave their best. I’ve seen the film - it's going to be a blockbuster."
Editor Prawin Pudi highlighted the unique narrative: "I've previously worked with Dil Raju, Nithiin, and Sriram Venu. This is my third film with Sriram, and he has crafted fresh characters with a unique narrative. We spent even more time discussing this project than we did for Vakeel Saab. He gave me complete creative freedom."
Lyricist Jonnavithula Ramalingeswara Rao shared his spiritual connection to the project: "I consider myself blessed to have written the ‘Jai Bagalaamukhii’ song set against the Pagadalamma Jathara backdrop. Composer Ajaneesh did a brilliant job with it. I’m glad director Sriram Venu came up with the idea to include this devotional song, and the producers supported it wholeheartedly. While working on the song, I witnessed how hard the entire team was working. I hope 'Thammudu' showers success like a golden rain."
Actress Hariteja recounted the director's commitment: "I play a significant role in 'Thammudu.' I remember director Sriram Venu narrating my character even while battling a fever. This role stands apart from all my previous work. We all put in a lot of effort, and the joy of seeing that hard work translate into success is priceless."
Child actor Baby Deetya expressed gratitude: "I want to thank the direction team for selecting me in the audition and giving me this role. I'm also grateful to the director and my father. The technicians and artists took great care of me. 'Thammudu' is an amazing film - you’re all going to love it!"
Music Director Ajaneesh Loknath shared his personal connection: "Working on 'Thammudu' has been a special experience. At one point during narration, the director spoke about self-respect and integrity - it brought tears to my eyes. The scenes Sriram Venu described inspired me to compose a different kind of music. After working on this film, I wished I had a sister. This is a film meant to be experienced in theaters."
Actress Sapthami Gowda (Ratna) conveyed her thanks: "I'm thankful to director Sriram Venu and producers Dil Raju and Shirish for selecting me. The direction team supported me greatly to help me do justice to the role. It was a pleasure working with Nithiin. We've all worked hard on this project for two years. The film is just three days away from release, and I hope audiences will support 'Thammudu' by watching it in theaters."
Actress Varsha Bollamma spoke of the director's faith: "More than me, it was our director Sriram Venu who believed I could do justice to my role in 'Thammudu.' Without any expectations, he gave me this opportunity. I walked into his office straight from the airport without makeup, and he looked at me and said I was perfect for the role. Working with Nithiin was a happy experience. I kept annoying him with endless jokes. Laya is such a sweet person and a true inspiration to many of us." She also lauded Dil Raju's new initiative: "I’m excited about Dil Raju’s newly announced platform Dil Raju Dreams. I believe it will give hope to thousands of aspiring talents. During the forest shoot, the technicians worked harder than us. My heartfelt thanks to them. There are some films that you regret missing in theatres. 'Thammudu' is one such film that deserves a big-screen experience."
Actress Laya found the story deeply moving: "When I first heard the script, I knew it was something different. I’ve never played a character like this before, nor have I experienced such emotions even in my personal life - because I’m an only child with no siblings. They say it took two years to make this film, but even if it had taken ten, I would have done it for such a meaningful story. Audiences have always supported me and my previous work with immense love, and I hope they show the same affection for 'Thammudu.'"
Producer Shirish credited the director for the film's success: "Thanks to every single person who worked on 'Thammudu.' All credit for the success this film is going to achieve on July 4th belongs to Sriram Venu. We producers contributed only a little, the hard work is entirely his. Let’s celebrate again when this film becomes a hit. Just like Nithiin rejoiced over the success of Jayam and Gundejaari Gallanthayyinde, 'Thammudu' will bring him even greater joy. As producers, we promise him that."
Producer Dil Raju commended the technical team for realizing the vision: "The film looks so great on screen thanks to the dedication of our technicians, DOP Guhan, editor Prawin Pudi, VFX supervisor, art director Shekhar, and others. They beautifully translated Sriram Venu’s vision onto the screen. The 'Jai Bagalaamukhii' song added a unique vibe to the film. My thanks to lyricist Jonnavittula for that. Composer Ajaneesh Loknath elevated the film with his music. Sriram Venu has been on a long journey with us - he gave us superhits like MCA and Vakeel Saab. He might have leaned on us for those films, but 'Thammudu' is entirely his own effort. This success will belong to him."
He further added, "From the beginning, Karthik and Satya have been traveling with Sriram. Along with Nithiin, five strong female leads, Laya, Sapthami Gowda, Varsha Bollamma, Swasika, and Deetya played significant roles. Their characters will be remembered for a long time. In fact, we could call them heroes alongside Nithiin based on their performance. Though Nithiin was disappointed with a few of his recent films, 'Thammudu' will be his big comeback. After Sankranthiki Vacham, this will be our banner’s next hit. We made Game Changer with Ram Charan, but we couldn’t deliver the hit we hoped for. We’ll be announcing a new project with Charan soon - and that will be the superhit we owe him."
Actor Nithiin expressed his gratitude and promised a memorable experience: "'Thammudu' releases in theatres on July 4th. This film needs to be a success - for director Sriram Venu, for the fans who love my work, and for those who’ve been waiting for my comeback. I know my recent films didn’t entertain you, but 'Thammudu' will definitely make you smile. I’ll talk more on July 4th about how hard Sriram Venu worked on this. From now on, I promise to only come to you with good scripts. Thanks to all the technicians who worked on this film."
He concluded by highlighting the team's relentless effort: "Our co-stars shot for 80 days in a forest - with half the shoots at night and the other half during the day. They pushed through fevers, food poisoning, injuries - you name it - and were always ready on set by 7 AM. Without their dedication, this film wouldn’t have been completed. Whenever I felt down, Raju and Shirish would lift my spirits with encouraging words. 'Thammudu' is a film made for the big screen. I urge everyone to go experience it in theatres on July 4th."
Director Sriram Venu credited his producers for their unwavering support: "Dil Raju and Shirish are like family to me. Shirish believed in 'Thammudu' more than I did. Even if I was feeling low, he would say things like, 'That scene is fantastic - you nailed it.' That one line of encouragement meant the world to me. I told them from the beginning that this film is designed for a theatrical experience - and they gave me full creative freedom. Though Raju garu was busy, Shirish always made time to support us, ensuring we had everything we needed. I believe I’ve lived up to the trust they placed in me."
He also spoke about the personal involvement: "Nithiin was unconditionally supportive - he perfectly delivered the character I had envisioned. My daughter Deetya acted in the film, and my wife and daughter were with me throughout the shoot. Having family by my side during filming gave me strength, and I felt it deeply while making this movie. You’ll see a whole new side of Laya in this film - she worked extremely hard. Varsha is like a daughter to me; she even learned kickboxing for her role. Each of the main artists learned a new skill for the film. Every key role has action involved, and the emotional weight is carried by the women in the film. DOPs Sethu, Sameer Reddy, and Guhan delivered brilliant visuals. Composer Ajaneesh was so emotionally connected to the scenes that he redid the background score twice to make it better. I’ll speak more about 'Thammudu' after July 4th."
