'Sarkaru Vaari Paata', which releases on May 12, is directed by Parasuram Petla. In this interview, the filmmaker talks about what made Mahesh Babu get on board, what he likes the most about 'SVP', the characters played by Keerthy Suresh and Samuthirakani, and the songs in the movie, the YSR line in the trailer, his next project, and more.
'SVP' at the idea level took roots two months before the release of 'Geetha Govindam'. Mahesh Babu garu really loved the detailing, his character design, behaviour. The storyline is strong.
'SVP' is an out-and-out commercial entertainer where the hero is presented in a unique way. Many have been wondering why a superstar gave a medium-range director like me the opportunity to wield the megaphone. Your doubts will melt away after you watch the movie. I want to drive home the truth that Mahesh garu okayed the project only because he loved my writing.
The villain (played by Samuthirakani) treats a bank loan as his mistress. The hero, on the other hand, feels that money shouldn't be snatched away. The contrast is glaring. The film is not related to the banking sector at all. It's also pure speculation that the villain's role is inspired by Vijay Mallya's life.
Mahesh garu has mouthed some 'naatu' lines. As I said, it's the character design that he loved the most. He was amazed that I imagined him in such a role. He agreed to do the film after I gave a one-and-a-half-hour narration. The behaviour of the male lead is entertaining in the film. Mahesh garu never asked for a story of this variety. I developed a story after the base idea took root in me.
Right since the story was ready, I imagined only Keerthy Suresh for the heroine's role. You will understand why after watching the movie. I am sure that her characterization is going to be talked about after the movie releases. Samuthirakani's character is fantastic. He is one of the major assets of the film.
I haven't adopted any pattern as far as the songs are concerned. There are four songs and a theme song. Only where a song is required have I infused one. The music has been blended with the story in an amazing manner. The mass song 'Ma ma Mahesha' is going to be electrifying. Each of the songs is driven by a clear concept. And they are rooted in the script. It was Thaman's idea to get Sitara Ghattamaneni on board for the cover version of 'Penny'.
There is no message in 'SVP'. But the story has a purpose. There is no forced messaging anywhere. It's a light-veined entertainer first and foremost. I have borrowed an emotion that is related to every single life and built a story around it. The common man will relate to the incidents/elements.
'Geetha Govindam' made Rs 100 Cr and that huge success gave me the confidence that I can handle a big project. If Mahesh garu agreed to work with a medium-range director like me, it is because of the strength of the story. So, I made no changes to the script during the pandemic.
The wow factor in the story will keep the audience hooked throughout!
I am a fan of YS Rajasekhar Reddy garu. His mass pull was heroic. That's why I wrote the line 'Nenu vinnanu, nenu unnanu' in the film. It's incidental that YS Jagan garu, too, has used the line in the past. The hero mouths the line in a fun scene to underline his honesty. It's not political at all. There was no discussion between me and Mahesh garu over the line. It was okayed in the first sitting itself.
I am inspired by the likes of Puri Jagannadh garu and Trivikram garu when it comes to dialogues. After the trailer was out recently, Puri garu was the first person to call me up and say that the line 'This is Mahesh reporting from Chepalappada beach sir' line.
The run-time is 2 hours 35 minutes, including ads.
My next film is going to be with Naga Chaitanya. It will be produced by 14 Reels. The same story I okayed with him in 2019 is the one.
