The pre-release event of 'Bholaa Shankar' was held on Sunday ahead of the film's theatrical release on August 11.
Speaking on the occasion, producer Anil Sunkara began his speech by thanking Meher Ramesh for helping him realize the dream of making a film led by Chiranjeevi. "I got to observe Chiranjeevi garu from close quarters. He is one of the best human beings I have worked with. He is the most positive person out there. This film has got everything that Mega fans would like to watch. Keerthy Suresh alone could have played the sister's role," the producer added.
Meher Ramesh said that the film has given him a 'punar janma' as a director. "The light of Meganess shone on me when I was in the shadows. I come from a middle-class family. I am proud of the fact that I am related to Chiranjeevi garu. 'Bholaa Shankar' will give a vintage feel. I appreciate cinematographer Dudley, stunt masters Ram and Laxman, art director AS Prakash, VFX supervisor Yugandhar T, and all others. Chiranjeevi garu doesn't know hurting others. He is magnanimous. He is an encyclopedia," the filmmaker said, adding that some 'Khaidi No. 150' records are still unbeaten. He also mentioned the box-office records set by 'Waltair Veerayya'.
Allu Aravind said that there is no success that Chiru hasn't tasted. "Twelve years ago, someone (referring to Rajasekhar and Jeevitha) resorted to vicious propaganda against Chiranjeevi garu's noble activities at the blood bank. I persevered for 12 years by filing a defamation suit against them. I didn't budge until the offenders were sentenced to jail imprisonment," Aravind added.
Hyper Aadhi's speech was full of gusto. He spoke of the 'Acharya' actor's broad-minded and kind-hearted nature. "Recently, he told me he is not following news these days. When I asked him why, he answered that he can't bear his brother (Pawan Kalyan) being abused (by political rivals)," the 'Jabardasth' comedian said. His 13-minute-long speech visibly made the 'Sye Raa' actor emotional.
Megastar Chiranjeevi began his speech by saying that he will always be indebted to the love showered upon him by his fans. "I always conduct myself in such a way that I should serve as an inspiration to my fans. I have always striven to make you proud. There is nothing wrong if a good film is remade. These days, the audience watch non-Telugu movies on OTT. However, 'Vedalam' (Tamil) is not available on OTT. That's why we dared to remake it as 'Bholaa Shankar'. At first, I was reluctant because, by then, I had accepted to remake 'Lucifer'. I was persuaded by Meher Ramesh to watch 'Vedalam'. Every day of the shoot was cheerful. The joy was because we have been extremely optimistic. Keerthy Suresh, Tamannaah and all the comedians were fun to work with. The set used to be like a festival site. Ramesh has been watching me from close quarters since he was a child. He never depended on me to become a director. He knew me and Pawan Kalyan but he never used his connections. He is a self-made talent."
