'Bhaag Saale', a crime comedy starring Sri Simha Koduri at the centre, will be released in theatres on July 7. Produced by Arjun Dasyan, Yash Rangineni and Singanamala Kalyana, 'Bhaag Saale' is directed by Praneeth Bramanapalli.
Starring Neha Solanki and Varshini Sounderarajan in key roles, this one also features Nandini Rai, John Vijay, Rajeev Kanakala, Viva Harsha, Satya, Sudarshan, Prithviraj, RJ Hemanth and Bindu Chandramouli.
In this interview, the director talks about the crime comedy and his future plans.
The making of the film got postponed by two years due to Covid-19. The film was supposed to go on the floors immediately after the release of Simha's 'Mathu Vadalara' in December 2019. The story of 'Bhaag Saale' found Simha. It's a fictional story set in Hyderabad. What if there is a street-smart gang in Hyderabad? That's what made me write the story. A Nizam-era ring and the story around it are fictional. I heard that the Nizams were fond of rings. That's why I used that info as a cinematic idea.
The comedy in 'Bhaag Saale' is a unique crime comedy. It's like a stress-buster. The characterizations are appealing in different ways. The trailer has been cut by Vijay Cuts. All credit goes to him for spotting the rhythm and pacing in the film.
Sri Simha is street-smart in the movie. If he wants to set up a restaurant in the future, he believes he has already done it. He lives in a dreamy world and lives in his own imagined universe. Varshini is a frustrated woman who believes in God. Neha Solanki is Dad's Little Princess. Both are so different from each other.
'Bhaag Saale' is because there is a lot of running and raciness involved in the story. The dialogues are delivered in neutral slang. Nandini Rai's character speaks in Telangana slang, though.
Kaala Bhairava has been my friend since my college days. He is our film's invisible hero. He has given distinct music for different characters.
The covid-induced lockdown helped me. I watched a lot of international movies and incorporated lessons from those films in writing and executing 'Bhaag Saale'. Crucial scenes were shot in real locations - on main roads, in public places, recreational places. Live locations help the artists get into the required mood naturally.
There are a handful of action scenes and all of them come with a comedy touch. All of them have been done by Ramakrishna Master. The running time is about 121 minutes.
I have met Keeravani garu only once. And that was while we met Simha to pay his remuneration. He doesn't know the story of the movie yet even though his son is the male lead. Rajamouli garu is learned to have liked the trailer. He feels the film can become a super hit.
The producers, especially Arjun sir, helped us a great deal. 'Bhaag Saale' was not easy to be made in crowded locations. He was there to organize things. We are expecting very good openings. We have already screened the movie a few times at a private studio in Hyderabad. The hype is as great as it was before the release of 'Mathu Vadalara'.
My first feature film directorial 'Suryakantham' (2019) did very well on OTT. In theatres, it grossed Rs 5.5 Cr. For some reason, the producers of that movie couldn't promote it well. I am open to doing web series even now. I have done two web series already in the past. I am planning to do a light sports drama. It will be made on a big budget. It's an underdog story but not a biopic. Indian football will be the backdrop.
