Sita Ramam produced by Swapna Cinema, presented by Vyjayanthi Movies, and directed by Hanu Raghavapudi is ready for a grand release on the 5th of August. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles. On this occasion, we met with the film presenter Ashwini Dutt for a brief chat. Here is the transcript.
Are your children taking full control of production?
Yes, they will take care of the production part, while the music is handled by me. I was shocked to see Swapna’s talent. Both my children got music sense from me. Swapna is single-handedly running the banner. Just like NTR, ANR, and Chiranjeevi used to be as y support, Swapna and Priyanka became my strength.
What made this film’s music reach the audience?
Though I don’t have great music knowledge I can easily find out what works well. If I don’t find the tune to be good I will ask my tea, to not go ahead with it. Shankar Mahadevan recognized my talent in the initial days. After a very long time, Raja told me this film’s music is fine and added that the composition would be great if I am around while working. Vishal Chandrasekhar did a fantastic job with this film. The background score also came quite well.
Reason for having Dulquer on board?
I developed immense respect for Dulquer from the time he played Gemini Ganeshan’s role. Also, I am a big fan of Mammootty. It was our team’s decision to have Dulquer in the lead role. I found it surprising when he agreed to do it. Dulquer did a convincing job in Sita Ramam. This story has a universal appeal and also market wise he is a huge advantage. He has fans all over the world.
Can we expect Sita Ramam to be a landmark film in your banner?
I have faith in this. Even today we are watching Balachander’s Maro Chithra which is a memorable film. Geethanjali by Mani Ratnam is also a classic irrespective of its commercial viability. In the same way, Hanu Raghavapudi gave a landmark film.
Sita Ramam has more songs. What’s your take on this?
In the final version, there will be 6-7 songs. I have told my team to reduce them a bit. Initially, the film’s length was around 2 hrs 47 minutes, but after my decision, it was cut down by 10 minutes. The film will be fast-paced.
OTT culture increased these days and the footfalls have come down. What’s your say about this?
A proper time gap between theatrical run and OTT streaming needs to be ensured by the filmmakers definitely. An exciting offer came up for Jaathiratnaalu during the pandemic. Nag Ashwin convinced me by saying that this particular film should be watched in theatres only. These days if the movie doesn’t get good opening filmmakers are going for early OTT streaming. This created a negative impact on the audience that the film will be available within a few days.
About your future projects?
As of now, we are concentrating on Project K and Anni Manchi Shakunamule. In the coming days, we will work with Nandhini Reddy in which Naga Chaitanya plays the lead role. Also, we will be doing a film with Roshan.
