'Drill: A Hyderabadi Story' will hit the screens on February 16. Doctor-cum-actor Haranath Policherla will be seen as an IPS officer named Vikram in this romantic action entertainer co-starring Karunya Chowdary and others. Seasoned artists such as Raghu Babu, Thanikella Bharani (to be seen as a heavy-duty song), and Srinivasa Reddy are part of the cast.
Ahead of the film's release, Haranath today said that the film's story revolves around a series of murders taking place in Hyderabad. "I, as an investigator, enter the fray and start investigating the murders from the angle of Love Jihad. This is not a preachy or social-message film. Whatever message is delivered, it is done subtly," Haranath says.
But isn't Love Jihad a contentious topic? Has Haranath, who is also the film's producer, risked it by opting for a controversial issue? "I don't think so. In any case, our film is not about Love Jihad per se. There is more to the story. My character doesn't deliver speeches. Vikram is not a social reformer. I feel we need to talk about real issues without fear. What is Freedom of Expression for? Centuries ago, Sati was practiced in some regions and it was legally abolished after a voice was raised against it," Haranath reasons. The film's music is by DSSK, while Vamsi Prakash has cranked the camera.
Why the title? "Drilling machine is the weapon with which the assailants commit murders in the film," he adds.
Haranath has previously been associated with titles such as Deva Katta's 'Vennela' and 'Chandrahas'. "I was a practicing doctor in the US. My soul always revolved around acting. That's why I took a plunge into acting 25 years ago," he signs off.
