'Paisa Paramathma', directed by Vijay Kiran Tirumala, released in theatres on March 12. In this interview, he talks about the film, what success means to him, working with Arohi Naidu and more.
Our movie released in theatres on March 12. On this occasion, I want to thank my parents and my guru. Success is of two kinds. One is about money. The other kind is about fame. 'Paisa Paramathma' has received the kind of response that I had expected. Wherever it has released in the Telugu States, it is doing well.
How many theaters I could secure for the film is a different thing. Because of a rush of new releases, it was not easy to find an adequate number of movies.
The audience have loved my vision. The likes of Puri Jagannadh, Trivikram Srinivas and Krishna Vamsi have made a mark for themselves as directors. I too have got a style, as proved by this film. I request the audience to watch my movie when it releases on OTT.
Director is the captain of the ship. Wielding the megaphone involves communicating with different departments and getting the product made. This is my first movie as a producer. Nowadays, there is a lot of competition among films. Whatever may be the investment, as a director, I was expecting recognition. And I have got it.
On the commercial front, we may have failed but in terms of content, the film has lived up to its promise.
I am soon going to take up new projects in the coming years. I had produced and directed 9 short films. I am confident that I will be bagging offers from big banners. Cinema is a big passion for me. If I find a star cast, I am confident of delivering a blockbuster.
I wanted to rope in Anasuya Bharadwaj or Uday Bhanu for the central role in 'Paisa Paramathma'. But since the former demands a certain amount, our budgetary constraints didn't allow us to rope her in. Uday Bhanu rejected the offer. Arohi Naidu was apt and we roped her in.
'Paisa Paramathma' is about a woman's kidnap for a ransom. How the booty ends up with Paramathma Foundation is the crux of the movie.
It was in 2002 that I entered the film industry. I acted in 'Yuvakulu'. I produced 'Brahma' and 'Rudra', among others, later. We faced financial issues with the latter. For many years, I couldn't do feature films for years. I went to Singapore and worked in the corporate sector. After returning to India, I and my brother set up a company. I started a YouTube channel and produced 9 short films with a team.
Going by the positive feedback to a short film, I wanted to take it to the next level. I pitched a storyline for my mother. I respect her sense of judgment. The initial budget of Rs 35 lakh but 'Paisa Paramathma' went on to cost Rs 70 lakh.
