With Sarangapani Jathakam, director Mohanakrishna Indraganti is attempting a "story-driven" comedy. The film, to be released in theatres on April 25th, fulfils his desire that has persisted in his mind for half a decade. The director of Ashta Chamma is aware of the changed reality of Telugu cinema, an industry that used to be prolific when it comes to full-fledged comedies in the 1980s and 1990s, but has now increasingly started leaning towards action dramas and thrillers.
In his latest interview, Indraganti throws light on what Sarangapani Jathakam seeks to achieve.
The shoot of Sarangapani Jathakam began about a year ago. I zeroed in on Priyadarshi because I was impressed with his performances in Balagam and two web series, Mail and Save The Tigers. Priyadarshi works in the Automobile industry. Vennela Kishore's character is a service consultant.
Producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad garu and I have previously done Nani's Gentleman and Sudheer Babu's Sammohanam. In 2023, he evinced interest in teaming up with me for the third time. I immediately pitched this storyline to him without losing any time. I would call this film a family-friendly crime comedy. Or, better still, an astrological crime comedy!
This is not the kind of comedy that you will watch once and forget all about. Its characters and the lines they speak will stay with you. You will want to recall and share those jokes with others days after watching the movie.
I am glad that I could get the right cast members to do the different roles. I have no trace of dissatisfaction with any aspect, be it the cast or the crew. This film comes as a wholesome comedy entertainer at a time when violence and action have come to define big-screen cinema.
Sarangapani Jathakam has astrological predictions based on the male lead's horoscope at its centre. Do I personally believe in Astrology? I am half here and half there. A non-professional Astrologer once told me I won't be turning into a filmmaker before the age of 32. That prediction came true. Another person told me I should have a driver if I have to avoid a road accident in 2016. I ignored that prediction and met with an accident. Sarangapani Jathakam says that belief has to be grounded in rationality. Anything that weakens you is not a healthy belief. When your beliefs don't drag you down, they are okay. The film is not preachy. I have consciously avoided offending anybody or mocking the beliefs of any group. In fact, my film portrays astrologers as serious men, not as clowns. I am aware of the scientific foundations of astrology. Even a 'panchangam' has so much complex detailing in it. This knowledge can't be dismissed in an outright manner.
The smartphone is a hurdle standing between the audience and the filmmaker. The biggest challenge is to keep the viewer engaged enough. Can a racy screenplay alone ensure it? Not the case. Films like Prema Desam and Premam have been loved by the audience despite their not-so-racy pacing.
Aa Ammayi Gurinchi Meeku Cheppali turned out to be a messy project. My earlier release was V, which was released on OTT directly. The movie's producer made money on that project.
