Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is all set to hit the screens on August 29, 2024, and there is a solid buzz for the film. Nani speaks to us about the film, working with S J Suryah, doing back-to-back action films, the interesting plot of the film, and future projects. Here is the transcript.

Giving a chance to a director whose last film was a flop, tell us about it

Vivek Athreya is one of the most talented directors in Telugu cinema. Our last film, Ante Sundaraniki was a flop at the box office but is loved by many. I had a blast shooting for that film which had solid humor. The day when our film was declared a flop, I asked Vivek to come up with a solid script and he did it with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram which I loved and greenlighted on a massive scale.

About the story behind the title?

The hero in the film is an aggressive person by nature. So, to control his anger, his mother takes promise from my character that he can go all out only on Saturday. So, all of this is showcased at the beginning of the film. How a person, who can only react on a Saturday, is pitted against a psycho cop is the basic story of the film and its title.

Despite not getting a great response why are you releasing your films on a Pan-India level?

Things have changed with each film of mine. Did you see the response to the promotions for Saripodhaa Sanivaaram in other states? With each film, the collections are only growing. I am not here to become an overnight sensation in the country. I know my strengths and as I feel South films are being loved by people in the North, we are releasing the film in Hindi and other languages as well.

Tell us about your character in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram

I play a middle-class man who can go to extreme lengths for those whom he treats as family. One small incident changes the equation in his life and he is pitted against a bad cop. How a man who can get angry only on Saturday is showcased through my character in the best way possible.

Looks like there is too much action in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram

That is because of the trailer. Frankly, our film has only 20% of action and the rest of it is only built up to that action part. There are so many adrenaline-pumping moments between the hero and villain and the masses will have a feast. It is a proper mass film with my kind of a class touch to it. The fights done are also organic and follow proper logic. But the action that is showcased through my character is going to be riveting.

What did you observe from S J Suryah?

S J Suryah is a director himself and can gauge what is going on in the set. He is very clear on how the narrative is moving and I learned a lot from him. He showcased how a scene can be conceived and performed in different ways. He is the show stealer and everyone will only talk about him once the film is released. Once Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is out, he will bring the audience to the theaters.

About Jakes Bejoy's music?

He is the unsung hero of the film and has given a mind-blowing score. It is because of him our film looks so powerful. His score in the action blocks will give goosebumps in the theaters. His re-recording and how he has composed the songs are going to be a massive asset to the film.

How do you gauge the success of your films?

I watch all my films on the first day first show in a multiplex in Hyderabad. This time, I will also watch the film on a single screen. Generally, when the film is a hit, we know the verdict after the first two shows. But I am the kind of a person, who gets happy and content, and I make sure the makers and distributors end up in a safe zone. There are so many films where I have helped the distributors recover their losses.

There is news that you plan a key role in Kalki 2?

Yes, even I heard that news and it got me excited as well. But sadly, I have no part in Kalki 2 as of now. Nag Ashwin was launched through my film and I am super proud of the way he made heads turn with Kalki 2898 AD. I am super happy for him and his team and am excited for the sequel as well.

Future projects?

I will soon start my next with Srikanth Odela. After Dasara, he has come up with yet another crazy backdrop as the film is based in Secunderabad. I play yet another action-packed role in this film. Apart from this, I have also signed two other films which I will announce soon.

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