"'Sankranthiki Vasthunnam' is a film every family can relate to. The audience will leave the theaters happy. I am confident it will be a blockbuster": Director Anil Ravipudi
The highly anticipated movie "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" brings together Victory Venkatesh, blockbuster hit machine Anil Ravipudi, and the most successful banner, Sri Venkateswara Creations. Presented by Dil Raju and produced grandly by Sirish, the film stars Meenakshi Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rajesh as the female leads. Sensational composer Bheems Ceciroleo provides the music. The film's already released songs have become sensational hits, creating a huge buzz, and the trailer has further raised expectations. "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" is set to release on January 14th. Director Anil Ravipudi shared exciting details about the film in a press meet.
Whose suggestion was the title "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam?" Did you choose this title to enter the Sankranti race?
"When we conceived the story, we started with the idea of a festival film. F2, which I did with Venkatesh, was released during Pongal and became a big hit. F3 was also supposed to be a Pongal release, but it missed the mark. We thought it would be good to release this film during Pongal. However, we didn't announce it then. This story is about a rescue operation. The four-day journey in the second half lands just before Sankranti. We finalized the title "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" when we were developing the story."
Your promotions have gone viral. What is the reason for being so active in promoting the film?
"The cinema scenario has changed after Covid. Just writing a good story and making a great film is not enough. If people don't come to theaters, the film won't reach its full potential. The audience has become very selective. I believe we need to grab their attention to ensure good openings. This time, we focused more on social media. Having a big star like Venkatesh participate in fun and engaging promotions, including reels, has been very helpful."
Whose idea was it to have Ramana Gogula sing?
"When I heard the tune of 'Godari Gattu' composed by Bheems, I thought it would be nice to have it sung by a peculiar voice, and Ramana Gogula was our first choice. Bheems contacted him and had him sing the song. The credit goes to Bheems. Ramana Gogula also added his own unique touch. The song, which we thought would be a hit, has now become a global sensation. It has crossed 85 million views."
What was the reason for auditioning Aishwarya Rajesh?
"Bhagyam's character is very special. It's a role that walks a very fine line and requires careful handling. Aishwarya is a great performer. However, we wanted to see how she would deliver the Godavari dialect and what her body language would be like in the character, so we conducted a small audition. Bhagyam is a very good character. Aishwarya will gain a good name for it."
"Meenakshi is also a very disciplined actress. She has a good sense of timing and performed very well. Both actresses did a fantastic job."
Whose idea was it to have Venkatesh sing?
"Venkatesh loved the song 'Blockbuster Pongal'. He himself said that he would sing it. I was shocked. At the same time, we made a reel. Venkatesh finished singing the song in 20 minutes. Bheems was also shocked after Venky sir sang it."
About working with Bheems?
"I have been wanting to work with Bheems for a long time. During Patas, I had him prepare five songs, but it didn't work out. I'm happy to be working with him on this film. It's very flexible to work with him. He gave wonderful music. The background music is going to be wonderful. The music is amazing and perfectly complements the scenes."
What is the idea behind the dialogue "Don't tell flashbacks"?
"Everyone has a past in life. Even if they don't express it, at least they have a first crush. If you are open about it after marriage, the side effects will start. So it is better to leave the past alone and live happily in the present (laughing)."
What is the reason for working mostly with Dil Raju's banner?
"My journey with him started with the movie Patas. I like to travel with people I connect with. Dil Raju and Sirish are like family to me. It's been almost a ten-year journey."
How has the journey been with Venkatesh from F2 to "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam?"
"Our bonding has doubled with "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" compared to F2 and F3. We became best buddies with this movie. We became very close. I want to continue doing films with Venkatesh."
"With this film, I tried a different genre with Venkatesh. Along with entertainment, it will be like a crime rescue adventure. The second half will be in a different genre. Even if I do an action film with Venky sir, I will give priority to entertainment. I love that entertainment with him."
You seem to develop a good bond with heroes. How is that possible?
"I am a fanboy of heroes when I see them on screen, and I continue to have the same admiration when I work with them. I maintain a positive relationship, so I receive the same love from them."
What is the USP of "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam?"
"We have already been able to reach the audience with the USP of this film. The audience is eagerly waiting to see the film. It's about a husband caught between his wife and his ex-girlfriend. This is a film that every family can relate to. There are wonderful songs. The fun moments in the trailer are entertaining. The audience is convinced that there is engaging content in the movie. If they like it after coming to theaters, the film will be a blockbuster. The audience will leave the theaters happy."
How did you feel after watching the final copy?
"Very happy. We are as confident as we were when we made F2 and F3 with Venkatesh. It's even happier that the public is also confident that we will deliver a hit."
What will VT Ganesh's role be like?
"The story starts with the roles of Naresh and VT Ganesh. These two roles will be highlights."
Do you have a dream story?
"I have always wanted to do a women-centric sports story. I will do a sports drama after some time."
When is F4?
"It will definitely happen. But there is still time for that. There is also scope to make "Sankranthiki Vasthunnam" into a franchise."
