The rural action drama Pedhha Kapu 1, directed by Srikanth Addala, features Virat Karrna and Pragathi Srivastava in the lead roles. The film produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy of Dwaraka Creations is scheduled for a grand release on September 29. Mickey J. Meyer composed the tunes. Ahead of the release, we had a brief interaction with the producer, and here is the transcript.

You could have done a film with a star hero after Akhanda. Why did you produce Peddha Kapu 1?

I was in a dilemma after Akhanda. My well-wishers pressurized me to give advances to big stars and directors. But what’s important to make a good film is a good story. A star would take things to the next level. During this dilemma, I heard Peddha Kapu’s story. Only there are a few notable movies in the Telugu film industry. Peddha Kapu 1 will turn out to be one such film. The journey of our production house will change after this film.

What aspect of Peddha Kapu impressed you the most?

Every story will have a fight between the strong and the weak. Peddha Kapu 1 is a realistic film. Srikanth Addala penned hard-hitting dialogues in Peddha Kapu 1. While watching the film, one would feel that a common man has to go through a lot of challenges to succeed in life.

You compared Srikanth Addala with Vetrimaaran. Will the film be so realistic?

Peddha Kapu 1 is a realistic film. We have made the film with utmost honesty. We have depicted history in the way it has to be presented. We shot in real locations to reflect the situations in 1980. We used to travel for 2 hours daily from Rajahmundry and shot scenes in realistic locations. What Vetrimaaran is to Tamil Cinema, Srikanth Addala is for Telugu cinema.

Why is the movie named Peddha Kapu?

We thought of a few titles. We considered naming the film Karna since the film is about the Karna’s fight. While scouting for locations, Srikanth Addala Garu came across the name Peddha Kapu. When he questioned the locals there, they said Peddha Kapu had done good for their village. Srikanth Addala Garu thought it would be apt for the film, and hence, we went ahead with it.

Did you think of introducing a hero from your family? Did Virat meet your expectations?

Virat is interested in films, and he is a hero material. This isn’t a regular film. It needed someone who should look so realistic. Virat fits the bill rightly for Karna’s role. It is a challenge for any director to make a film on a big canvas. But we believed in the story without having any boundaries. We were ready to change the hero as well.

What was your reaction when Srikanth Addala Garu said he would act in the film?

We needed someone who could perform naturally for that specific role. We thought of two actors, but things didn’t work out. Hence, Srikanth Garu decided to do the role by himself. You will be surprised while watching the film. Also, the characters of Anasuya, Tanikella Bharani, and Rao Ramesh are very strong.

Could you tell us about your upcoming projects?

Though I can’t tell you when Akhanda 2 will go on floors, the sequel will happen for sure. Up next, we will release Peddha Kapu 2. After that, we have a film with Adivi Sesh. A couple of stories are in the discussion stage.