"Drinker Sai" to Deliver Meaningful Message Alongside Commercial Appeal, Says Young Hero Dharma
Dharma and Aishwarya Sharma star in "Drinker Sai," a film with the intriguing tagline "Brand of Bad Boys." Produced by Basavaraju Srinivas, Ismail Sheikh, and Basavaraju Laharidhar under the Everest Cinemass and Smart Screen Entertainments banners, the film is directed by Kiran Tirumalasetti and draws inspiration from true events. Ahead of its theatrical release on the 27th of this month, Dharma shared insights into "Drinker Sai" in a recent interview.
Dharma recounted his early life and path to acting: "I'm from Hanuman Junction in Guntur. From a young age, I was captivated by acting and dance, often emulating Megastar Chiranjeevi garu's moves. Participating in school plays nurtured my growing passion for cinema. My grandfather owned a theater in Hanuman Junction, and my father worked with producers like Kakani Babu Suhasani and Shobhan Babu on the film 'Punya Dampatulu.' Although an uncle suggested I follow in my father's footsteps as a producer, my father discouraged me from entering the industry. Despite this, I spent time at the theaters, watching films daily and dreaming of seeing myself on screen. After completing my engineering and establishing a successful business, I finally pursued my acting aspirations by joining Satyanand Garu’s acting institute. I admire Prabhas for his natural acting style and believe no one rivals Megastar Chiranjeevi’s grace in dance."
He discussed his journey with "Drinker Sai": "While I had a role in 'Sindhuram,' 'Drinker Sai' marks my first significant film. I was immediately drawn to the story, based on real events. I even met the individual who inspired the narrative to gain a deeper understanding of his experiences. However, we have incorporated fictional elements for dramatic effect."
Dharma elaborated on the film's production: "Pre-production for 'Drinker Sai' began in 2019, with filming taking place last year. Our director Kiran, who previously worked as a writer with Maruthi Garu, refined the story during the lockdown. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to this project, resulting in a smooth filming process."
He praised his co-star: "Aishwarya Sharma is an incredibly dedicated actress. Unlike some who get sidetracked, Aishwarya remained completely focused and passionate about her role. Her portrayal of Baghi will undoubtedly impress audiences. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside her."
Dharma shared his preparation for his role: "To prepare for the character of Sai, I meticulously observed the behavior of drinkers. Although I don't drink myself, our director took me to various bars to study their mannerisms. This allowed me to authentically embody the character's body language."
He also spoke about the film's backing: "Producer Basavaraju Srinivas, a close associate of Chiranjeevi garu and former general secretary of the PRP party, shared the story with Chiranjeevi, who gave his blessing. 'Drinker Sai' seamlessly blends commercial elements with a compelling love story and a powerful message. The trailer and teaser emphasize youthful content to attract viewers to the theaters."
Dharma concluded with personal reflections: "My father, despite being outside the film industry, was the first to commend my performance in 'Drinker Sai.' His blessing, stating that I would find success in this field, meant the world to me. The film doesn't promote harmful behavior among youth; the message will be clear upon viewing. The story takes a powerful turn in the second half and will resonate deeply with audiences by the pre-climax. Satyanand Garu's early blessing and public support have been invaluable, and I am eternally grateful. I am currently considering several new projects and will share details soon."
