'Bhala Thandanana' is heading to theatres on May 6. In this interview, actor Sree Vishnu talks about the film, working with director Chaitanya Dantuluri, what is to be expected from the thriller, his upcoming movies, his openness to OTT, and more.
Even during 'Basanthi' (2014), the director's second movie, we planned to collaborate together. But we were not clear about what is to be done. I got busy with various assignments. So, it took time to finalize a nice story. The pandemic, too, delayed things.
When the story of 'Bhala Thandanana' was finalized, we luckily got a nice producer in Sai Korrapati garu. The film enters the story mode 15 minutes into the run-time. There is a twist and the climax is a never-seen-before one. The action sequence in it will also stand out both content-wise and commerciality-wise.
The title has been derived from an Annamayya Keerthana. 'Bhala Thandanana' is a rebellious song that talks about social equality. That's why we have picked the title. I prefer Telugu titles for my movies. Of late, film titles have been borrowed from English. 'Raja Raja Chora' and 'Brochevarevarura' were pure Telugu titles.
I have known Chaitanya Dantuluri since the days of 'Banam' (2009). It was a different film at that time. He is an able technician who knows the craft thoroughly. Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram has been a happening banner and this one is going to be the best film in recent times for the production house. There are thrills, emotions, humour, and romance. The comedy quotient is strong.
Catherine Tresa has played a journalist. I have played a common man who wants to do something but doesn't have the resources. His collaboration with the journalist is driven by self-interest. Catherine has dubbed for her own character. The love proposal scene is atypical; the situation in which it happens is novel.
Ramachandra Raju (aka Garuda Ram) has made a name for himself with 'KGF'. His character is significant in the movie. The story revolves around a bounty of Rs 2,000 Cr.
The sound design is quite adept in the case of 'Bhala Thandanana'. The songs are situational. Mani Sharma garu's BGM is terrific.
The kind of movies I am doing are thoughtful. I am collaborating with talented filmmakers who are going on to team up with star heroes. I will be trying out a variety of genres. I am going to team up with Hasith Goli of 'Raja Raja Chora' yet again.
I would say that all my characters have been rough and mischievous. That way, they are massy. 'Arjuna Phalguna' and 'Bhala Thandanana' have me in a bit of an action-driven role. That's why their span is wide.
I plan my films in such a way that no one loses money on the project. Sometimes, a film might flop but nobody should lose money badly.
'Alluri', in which I have played a police officer, is my next theatrical release. I am confident of delivering sure-shot hits this year.
A few of my films that fail to click in theatres do very well on OTT. I feel fortunate that way. OTT is going to be a significant platform. I choose stories that have a long shelf-life even on OTT. If I make a debut on OTT, it will be with a web series.
