“‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ will stand out as the best film in my career,” says Nagarjuna.
Yet another devotional film ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is coming in the combination of Akkineni Nagarjuna Nagarjuna and Darsakendrudu Raghavendra Rao. Audio of the film composed by Swaravani Keeravani is receiving tremendous response from music lovers. The film is being produced by Mahesh Reddy, who earlier produced Nagarjuna’s ‘Shirdi Sai. The film will narrate the story of the devotee Hathi Ram Baba, who dedicated his life in service to Lord Venkateswara. The film is arriving theaters on February 10. On the eve of film’s release, the film unit has arranged press meet on February 8.
Akkineni Nagarjuna, Darsakendrudu Raghavendra Rao, Producer A Mahesh Reddy, Saurab Jain, heroines Vimala Raman and Ashmita, writer JK Bharavi, lyricists Vedavyas and Anantha Sriram, Executive producer K Vikram Kumar, editor Gauthaam Raj, camaraman S Gopal Reddy and art director Kiran Kumar Manne and some others were present at the press meet.
Speaking at the press meet, Akkineni Nagarjuna said, “I am thankful to all artists and technicians who worked for this film. Many have questioned me why I have chosen such kind of subject after scoring hat-trick hit with ‘Manam’, ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ and ‘Oopiri’. We can do commercial films at any time. I have already completed 95 films. I consider myself lucky for getting the opportunity to work for ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’. ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is a spiritual and beautiful journey. I have learned a lot through this film. Lyricists have penned wonderful songs. I learned lot of new things about Tirumala. Keeping aside all questions like why we should go to Tirumala and God is there or not, we must worship God first. It gives us self-confidence and calmness. I don’t know when the film was started and when it ended. I have not done any homework regarding this film. Raghavendra Rao garu has directed the first shot on a song ‘Akhilnda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka…’. The scene is welcoming the god. Bharavi garu’s story, Vedhavyas garu’s lyrics and Raghavendra Rao’s guidance have taken the film ahead. Earlier I did devotional films like ‘Annamayya’, ‘Sri Ramadasu’ and ‘Shirdi Sai’. ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ has given me lot of experience. I can proudly say that this is the best film in my career. It’s a heart touching film. The story starts when Hathi Ram Babu is of 8 years old and is told till he reached 50. Raghavendra rao garu has designed each and every scene interestingly. I was stunned how he was able to gain such a knowledge to carve out the film such a wonderful and matured way. The film will hit screens on February 10. We don’t bother about how many days the film will run or how much it will collect. I am tension free for the first time in my life. I am really very happy. I am thankful to Raghavendra Rao garu, Mahesh Reddy, Vikram, Gopal Reddy and everyone in the team for making such a wonderful film. There are positive vibrations everywhere. I am thankful to media people for promoting the film in a good way.”
Addressing the gathering, director K Raghavendra Rao said, “Vedavyas has included all the names of flowers in the world in lyrics. Each and every theater will screen ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ will turn into Tirumala Temple from February 10. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and overseas theaters will shine like holy shrines. Anushka will worship Swamy with the song ‘Veyi Namalavaada…’ in Krishnamma role. Nagarjuna has given wonderful performance as Hathi Ram Baba. You will see great power in Nagarjuna’s eyes when opening the doors of god in the song ‘Akhilanda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka…’. Saurab Raj Jain is a popular actor in Hindi. His presence in the film in Venkateswara Swamy role has become big plus to the film. The film narrates why Lord Venkateswara Swamy plays Dice game with Hathi Ram Baba and why the god appears to him only. ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is a spiritual journey. I wish and hope everyone will bless us after watching the film.”
On this occasion, producer A Mahesh Reddy said, “The film has made my life meaningful. I am thankful to Raghavendra Rao garu and Nagarjuna garu for giving me the chance to make this film. We worked together as a family. Right from the starting till the end of the film, Lord Venkateswara Swamy has stood by our side. Bharavi garu has wonderfully explained how Tirumala was in 500 years ago. Gopal Reddy and art director Kiran have worked for three months to finalise locations. The shooting took place in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maldeevulu and Mahabaleswaram. Raghavendra Rao garu has worked with great energy levels even at this age. We have decided to release ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ on February 10 on the muhurat day itself. Nagarjun garu worked for the film with devotion. Starting till the end of the film, Nagarjuna looks with a beard. After completing the film, we asked him why he is not removing his beard. He replied he will remove it after confirming the film needs no changes. He has taken due care for the film. The film is like a big gift for Venkteswara Swamy devotees and Akkineni fans. It’s our privilege that Nagarjuna garu has worked for this film after scoring hat-trick hit with ‘Manam’, ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ and ‘Oopiri’. Nageswara Rao garu would feel very happy if he was alive today. I have watched the film. It came out wonderfully. Saurab Raj Jain looks handsome and has given amazing performance. The dice game between Hathi Ram Baba and Venkateswara Swamy will be interesting. Hathi Ram Baba named Venkateswara Swamy as Balaji. The film will stay forever in the hearts of all Venkateswara Swamy devotees as a sweet memory. Keeravani has provided excellent music. Songs in the film will share 45 min duration. Each song is like a competition to one another. ‘Akhilanda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka…’ is one of the best songs in the film. It’s my favourite song. Anushka, Pragya Jaiswal, Vimala Raman and Sridevi and everyone have given beautiful performance. Each and everyone in the team have kept their heart and soul for the good outcome of the film. I am thankful to everyone who supported us.”
Actor Saurab Raj Jain, who played Lord Venkateswara Swamy in the film, said, “I consider myself lucky for getting the opportunity to act in this film. I am thankful to Raghavendra Rao garu, Nagarjuna and Gopala Reddy garu. Raghavendra Rao garu and the team have given lot of support and therefore I had no problem Telugu language. Working for ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is an amazing experience.”
“I researched on the story for 10 years. When Raghavendra Rao garu, Nagarjuna and Mahesh Reddy garu have okayed the script, we shot the film like a yagna. Each and everyone in the team have kept their heart and soul for the good outcome of the film. We are waiting for audience response,” said writer JK Bharavi.
Lyricist thanked Raghavendra Rao garu for having given him the opportunity to pen lyrics for this film.
