Director VN Aditya of 'Manasantha Nuvve' fame is doing a pan-Indian movie. Titled 'Phani', the thriller is produced by Dr. Meenakshi Anipindi of OMG Productions. Starring Catherine Tresa as the protagonist, 'Phani' will be released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Speaking in the film's first press meet today, chief guest and legendary filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao spoke of his association with Aditya, who has previously worked under him for about two years.
Director VN Aditya said, "I thank my sister and brother-in-law for producing this movie. When I collaborated with them, I had my share of fears. That's because they blindly showed faith in me. They rejected five stories before they zeroed in on this story. They are passionate producers who have stood by this project with commitment. Catherine Tresa accepting the film boosted our confidence. She participated in acting workshops with so much enthusiasm. Everyone has worked on our movie with dedication. I got to work with technicians who speak their mind without fear. VFX is part of the script. We shot for 80 working days. In fact, the entire run-time has VFX shots, but they don't feel distinct from real shots. 'Phani' has no supernatural or devotional flavour. The characterization of the protagonist (a snake is at the centre of the character) has been brought out through the title song, which incidentally has a devotional touch. If you spoil Nature, it will destroy your future. That's what the theme of our film is. What happens when a benign snake seethes with rage? And what happens when it extracts revenge. For Indians, a particular type of snake has a holy place. In other countries, snakes are just any other animal. That's why we have set the story in a foreign country." VN Aditya said that he would feel happy if 'Phani' gets compared with SS Rajamouli's 'Eega'.
Catherine said that the underlying theme of 'Man Vs. Nature' makes the script of 'Phani' exciting. "This is the most challenging script that came my way. I had to bring out the state of mind of the individual when an unwanted visitor knocks on the door. We have even got Korean and American-African actors in the casting. I am quite sure that producer Meenakshi's stature will rise after this movie," she added.
Producer Meenakshi said that she is satisfied with 'Phani'. "My brother (Aditya) knows how to make a good movie and also take it to the audience. The entire story revolves around the lead actress. Catherine's talent needs no introduction. 'Phani' will be a stand-out feature film in her filmography. Offscreen, she is fun-loving. In this film, she has played a contrasting character," the producer said.
Shot entirely in Dallas in the US, the film also features Tanikella Bharani, Kasi Vishwanath, Ranjitha, Yogita, Prashanthi Harathi, Sanya, Akash, Anil Shankaramanchi, Kiran Gudipalli, Bala Karri, and Dayakar. Written by Padmavati Malladi and edited by Junaid, the film's cinematography is by Bujji K.
