The pre-release event of 'Jaanu', the Telugu remake of '96', was held in Hyderabad. 'Natural Star' Nani, Vamsi Paidipally attended the event and wished the team. Sharwanand, Samantha, Varsha Bollamma, Gouri G Kishan, director C Prem Kumar, Dil Raju, Shirish were among others who attended the event.
Nani said, "I was not positive when this remake was announced. I asked Dil Raju garu to stay away from this remake because it's a classic in Tamil. But I've been waiting for this movie, since it was announced that Sharwanand and Samantha are playing the leads. Sharwa has been a good friend of mine since the days I entered the industry. He is a very good performer and gets appreciation for every film he does. This story needs a good performer. So, Vijay Sethupathi was selected for the Tamil version and Sharwanand has got the opportunity for the Telugu version. I'm proud of the choices Samantha has been making. At least 2 of her movies feature in the list of best movies every year. Dil Raju garu's counting (money) started with Sankranthi. It will start again after this movie's release on 7th February and continue till March 25th ('V' movie release). I will take care of it then after. I wish Shirish garu and the whole team all the very best. I am a very big fan of Gauri. We enjoy some movies. But we take movies to home after enjoying them. 'Jaanu' will be one such movie. I wish the team all the very best".
Dil Raju said, "This is the first time we are doing a remake. I'm scared of doing remakes. But when I watched '96' in Tamil a month in advance, I said I will remake it in Telugu and gave cheque to the producers. The film was so heart-touching. We were shooting 'MCA' then and said the same to Nani. He watched the film's special screening in Chennai and said it was a classic. I watched the film again after it's release in Tamil. Though I didn't understand the language, I could see how much audiences were enjoying it. I decided to remake the film in Telugu. Prem Kumar, who worked as an assistant cameraman to our 'Arya', directed it. I asked him to direct in Telugu too. I could only imagine Samantha in that character for the Telugu version. My friend Sharwanand also liked it and came on board. When we were shooting in Kenya, the car Sharwanand was driving got capsized. Fortunately, he was safe. Then after, another mishap happened. We couldn't understand why all these were happening for a good movie. But we've overcome all the hurdles and are going to release the movie on 7th Feb. Many said I must be mad to remake such a classic and suggested that I should dub into Telugu. But I'm sure Telugu audiences will be wowed watching this movie on 7th. We have retained the feel. After watching 'Jaanu', everyone will take their life-time memories to home. I am sure my prophecies will come true on the release day".
Vamsi Paidipally said, "I am one of the many persons who was against Dil Raju garu's decision to remake '96' in Telugu. But I was shocked when I watched the trailer. Prem recreated that feel. It's because it is a film straight from his heart. I'm a big fan of Gauri, who played Jr Trisha in '96' and Jr Samantha in 'Jaanu'. Samantha will have some pages dedicated to her in the history of Telugu cinema. Even today, she is scared about what will her future if a film flops. I know Sharwnand since the days I entered the industry. 'Jaanu' is not a commercial movie. It's a movie which deserves respect".
Sharwanand said, "I was apprehensive to act with Samantha at first. Because she is one actress who steals the show with her screen presence like Nitya Menen and Sai Pallavi do. If I get any appreciation for this movie, the credit goes to her. She would be 100 percent sure before doing any scene. Everyone, from the ages 6 to 90, will get connected to this movie. Because nothing beats 'first love'. I will cherish the memories while making this movie. I asked if we should remake such a classic in Telugu. But Dil Raju garu said to believe in him and I did. I first met Nani, when he was with Naresh (Allari) at Saradhi Studios, when were doing Gamyam. He has become a very good friend. I thank him for gracing this event".
Samantha Akkineni said, "I feel every film as my first film and I go to shoot everyday with the same fear. Because, I don't want to disappoint my fans. I thank the audiences for their support. Coming to this movie, I don't want to talk much about it now. I will talk about it more after 7th February. I could sense the magic happening on the sets everyday. When Dil Raju garu first approached me to do this movie, I was scared and tried to ignore him. But he approached again and I thank him for that. I thank Sharwanand for playing my Ram. If I get appreciated for my performance, the credit goes to him. I thank Prem Kumar. He is a magician and created magic once again. I hope I will make you all proud".
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