'Kothapallilo Okappudu' is an Out-and-Out Comedy & Family Entertainer; Audiences Will Definitely Enjoy It: Hero Manoj Chandra
Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media presents the rural comedy 'Kothapallilo Okappudu.' Directed by actress-turned-filmmaker Praveena Paruchuri, known for her critically acclaimed films like C/O Kancharapalem and Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, the film is produced by Paruchuri Vijaya Praveena Arts. Starring Manoj Chandra and Monika in lead roles, the film has garnered a positive response for its first look, teaser, and trailer. With its release slated for July 18th, hero Manoj Chandra recently shared insights about the film at a press conference.
Manoj Chandra's Journey: From Engineering to Acting
When asked about his background and how he got into films, Manoj Chandra shared, "I am from Vizag. I came to Hyderabad to study Aeronautical Engineering. I have loved films since childhood. I even auditioned for a film when I was 17."
He continued, "While continuing my studies, I made efforts. I did some short films. I also did interviews on TV for some time, where I made some contacts. Later, I traveled to different countries for work and finally went to America. I always wanted to get into films. I did small roles, but they didn't bring much recognition."
"After watching C/O Kancharapalem, my aspirations were rekindled. After that, I developed a strong interest in story writing and content creation. During the COVID period, I used to attend some film classes, including Hollywood film classes. That's how I got an opportunity in a Christmas film. That film gave me the chance to go to Nigeria. It was a good experience."
"I got a chance in a film called Men in Blue. That film received good international acclaim. The director of that film wrote a story and told me that Praveena Paruchuri Garu would be good as an actor in it. I already had an acquaintance with Praveena Garu. Exactly at this time, Praveena Garu was looking for a character named Ramakrishna."
"She told me about the Ramakrishna character and gave me the script to read. I liked it very much. It felt like the hero's character in the film. I did a lot of homework to do this role somehow. I gave auditions. Finally, Praveen Garu liked them. She made many more changes. Overall, she was convinced that I could do justice to the character as she envisioned it. That's how I got the opportunity to do this film."
Film Concept and Character Details
Describing the film's concept and his character, Manoj said, "This is a village story. I will be seen in the role of Ramakrishna. I work for a moneylender named Appanna and collect all the debts he has given. I am the medium between Appanna and the people. My character is also an opportunistic character. Ramakrishna has a recording dance studio. He is eager to get out of Appanna's clutches as soon as possible. Also, Ramakrishna likes a girl named Savitri. One day, he goes to a haystack to meet Savitri. What happens after that is the story."
"The Ramakrishna character is very challenging. As a new actor, trusting me with this role increased my responsibility. As an artist, they gave me a lot of freedom. The film came out wonderfully. We took all precautions and made the film like a big movie."
Working with Senior Actors and Director Praveena Paruchuri
Sharing his experience of working with Banerji and Ravindra Vijay Garu, he said, "It is a blessing to work with senior actors. We all worked on a professional wavelength. Praveena Garu wonderfully led everyone as a team."
On working with Praveena Garu, he commented, "Praveena Garu is a director who came with passion. She led the film professionally. No matter how many difficulties came, she made the film without compromising anywhere. She brought out films with wonderful quality."
Rana Daggubati's Support and Audience Reception
Regarding Rana Garu, Manoj said, "After completing the film, we took it to Rana Garu. He liked the film. It makes me very happy that he is presenting the film."
About the response from premieres, he shared, "We screened previews in some places like Vizag, Vijayawada, Warangal. All sections of the audience received it wonderfully. They laughed heartily. They connected emotionally. Everyone said it felt like a real story that happened in our region. We are very confident; we made the film honestly. This is an out-and-out comedy and family entertainer."
Foreign DOP and Future Projects
Explaining the reason for having a foreign DOP, Manoj said, "When we go to America, all the places there look very beautiful to us. Similarly, if an American comes to India, his perspective of looking at this region will be very different. Praveena Garu's idea was also this. To get such visual beauty, like how beautiful our village would look if seen by a person from there, we worked with a foreign DOP. The film has turned out visually very beautifully."
When asked if he has accepted any new films, he replied, "There are indications of some new opportunities coming. However, I have waited for this moment for many years. Currently, I am only thinking about the present. I am eagerly waiting for this film's release."
