Aditya Om’s ‘Friend Request’, which is set in the backdrop of social media, has completed all formalities and is releasing in a grand level on July 8. Aditya Om has made this horror entertainer under his own direction under Modern Cinema banner with RRP Corporation Pvt. Ltd. and Bamla Enterprises as presenters in association with Vijay Varma Pakalapati. Apart from directing the film, Aditya Om has played a special role in this bilingual film which also features Seetal Singh, Achint Kaur, Sagarika Chhetri, Jal Chitra, Saida Jools, Manisha Kelkar, Richa Soni, Anusha Goutham, Prakash Sudarsan, Nithish Choudhary, Rohith and Pankaj in the key roles. On this occasion, an interview has been given by actor cum director Aditya Om. Here are few excerpts from his interview.
Tell us a little bit about the concept of your new film ‘Friend Request’?
Present day’s youth have indeed become slaves of social media. It has brought lot of changes in their psychology and behaviour. The film ‘Friend Request’ is made based on the aforementioned concept laced with entertainment and horror are the main elements. We have started the film nearly three years ago. We have observed the changes that took place in the psychology of some of my friends and well-wishers.
About his character in the film, he described, “I played ghost psychologist. The span of my role is just 25 min. My role in the film will entertain audience in between the serious mode. Actually, we planned to rope in some other actor, but finally with the suggestion of Vijay Varma I have played the role.
When will the film be released in Hindi?
The film has been made in Telugu and Hindi as well. Each and every scene was shot differently in each language. At first, we are releasing the Telugu version. However, it is not very easy to release in Hindi for the small directors and producers like us. Once the film becomes success here, it will be easy for us to release in Hindi. Hindi version will be released in the month of January or February.
Can you tell us about the casting of the film?
Everyone is thinking that it is our strategy of roping in many heroines to add glamour to the film. The girl who played one of the lead roles, becomes slave to the Facebook. She chats with everyone from all over the world. She invites her friend for a party. For this we have roped in some girls. Each and every sequence and character are connected to situations in the story.
Why did you choose horror genre?
Horror genre is trending off late. We can make horror genres on a shoestring. That is why I have chosen this genre.
When asked about the technical standards of the film, he explained, “Technical standards we maintained in the film will impress the youth for sure. Technical standards are very important to every film. Odds of success or failure aside, I made this film to receive accolades for making. The effort of quality should appear on the screen. ‘Friend Request is a quality film. It’s a horror entertainer which offers thrill to audience.
What’s next for Aditya Om after ‘Friend Request’?
I am planning to make an alien cinema with Telugu nativity for children and family audience. I have readied the script. If everything goes well, my film will become first alien film in Telugu.
