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Country charm beckons

Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Affable duo Saikiran and Krishnudu share a great rapport

The picturesque locations on the banks of Godavari are close to the heart of ace directors of Telugu tinsel world like K. Viswanath, Bapu and Vamsy. They have captured the beauty of the river in different frames in their films. Taking cue from them i s young director Saikiran Adivi, who proved his mettle in his maiden venture Vinayakudu. His second film Village lo Vinayakudu is all set to hit the silver screen on November 5.

Krishnudu, the cute pot-bellied chap from Konaseema who played the protagonist in Vinayakudu once again takes centre stage in Saikiran’s second venture. Their on-screen chemistry apart, the duo shares a great rapport off the screen also.

“Veterans like Viswanath, Bapu and Vamsy have doled out liberal dose of Godavari’s splendour in their films. I have done my bit in an attempt to explore new angles,” says Saikiran, sharing his special bond with the river, developed in his childhood. Going down memory lane, he recalls spending long vacations at his grandmother’s village Siddhantam in West Godavari district.

“About 90 per cent of the film is shot in Konaseema, as the heroine is a village belle. The hero comes to the village in search of his lady love and stays there to win her heart,” says Saikiran, who is also the co-producer of the film.

For Krishnudu, shooting for a film in his native place was a bonanza. A few scenes were also shot in his fort-like home at Chintalapalli near Razole. “I am elated,” he says unable to contain his excitement.

Is it not risky to repeat the same hero in a film with more or less the same storyline? “Not at all,” Saikiran is quick to defend and hastens to add: “Vinayakudu entertained all sections of audience and I expect similar response to this film also. I am confident about the flavour of this film and moreover, Krishnudu has done full justice to his role,” he lends a pat to the plump hero. A product of Sekhar Kammula’s school, Saikiran strongly believes in promotion of a film. “Tie-ups with the corporate sector not only help the producer bring down the production cost but it also takes the film closer to the public,” he emphasizes, attributing the success of Vinayakudu to both creativity and marketing factors.

“A tie-up with Reliance Communications and a few other firms for this venture has enabled us to provide the film’s audio CD for less than Rs. 10 besides combating the menace of pirated audio CDs,” he says happily.

Saikiran is currently focused on promotion of Village lo Vinayakudu while Krishnudu has bagged five projects, including a lead character. “Basically I am a fashion photographer. I struggled for nine years for a break in films. Directing a film is my ultimate ambition and I am sure you will see me doing it some day,” he says flashing a smile.

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