Actor Pawan Kalyan addressed the media today at the Hari Hara Veera Mallu press meet. He spoke about the challenges faced during the film's production, his reasons for promoting the movie, and his appreciation for the team involved.
On Film Promotion and Personal Discomfort
I don't know how to promote a movie. I only know how to work, but it feels awkward for me to talk about how much I have done. I unexpectedly became an actor and a technician. My not speaking to the media about films isn't due to arrogance or ego. I just feel uncomfortable talking about movies.
Support for A.M. Rathnam and the Film's Journey
However, the reason I held this press meet is for A.M. Rathnam Garu. The film needs to survive. In the film 'Agnyaathavaasi,' Trivikram Garu wrote a line: 'One has to wage a war even for a small comfort.' If that's the case, imagine how many wars one has to fight to make a film – be it financially or creatively. Rathnam garu is the person who took regional cinema to a national level. He showed his mettle by releasing Tamil films in Telugu and making them perform like straight films. He is a person who enhanced the film industry's creative potential. This film faced many ups and downs. It went through two COVID. It also faced some creative difficulties. No matter what we do or what challenges we face, we want the film to turn out well. For this film, I specifically witnessed Rathnam Garu's dedication. Especially after I entered politics and moved away from direction and the creative part, and when my primary focus was on politics, he came to me and asked me to make a film again, and I gave my best.
Dedication to the Climax Shoot and Film's Premise
Currently, I cannot give much time. Despite that, I had to shoot for almost 57 days just for the climax. We shot in the scorching heat of May. The martial arts I learned long ago, both in India and abroad, came in handy for this film. We sat with the choreographers and specially designed the climax. This is the backbone of the film. To briefly explain the film: How did the Kohinoor diamond, found in Kolluru on the banks of the Krishna River, reach the Hyderabad Sultans? What was its journey like afterward? The story unfolds against this backdrop.
Acknowledging Krish Jagarlamudi's Contribution
The foundation for this was laid by Krish Jagarlamudi Garu. He came up with a great concept. Although Krish Garu couldn't complete this film for some reasons, I sincerely thank him for laying the foundation for this film with a good concept.
Praising the Team and His Commitment to the Film
When I was doing the Kushi film, Jyothi Krishna did a filmmaking course in London. I always focus on the quality of the film and don't talk much about it. However, I felt it was necessary to speak about this film. Ratnam Garu, Jyothi Krishna Garu, and Manoj Paramahamsa Garu worked tirelessly for this film, even sacrificing sleep. Also, Nidhhi Agerwal took responsibility for the film's promotion. This film is not an orphan; I am here today to say that I am here for it.
Respect for the Film Industry and Producer Rathnam
Starting as a small makeup man, Rathnam Garu rose step by step as a director, writer, and producer to this level. No matter how many difficulties he faces, no matter how much trouble others cause him, he remains silent. Regardless of caste, religion, or region, anyone with talent can shine in the film industry. That's why I have so much respect for the film industry. Making a film is like a Yagnam. You don't even know if you'll make money. I came here to talk about Ratnam Garu's goodness and the good film he made. After I became Deputy CM, I allocated two hours of my personal time every day to avoid disrupting administrative work. Accordingly, Jyothi Krishna and cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa Garu planned the shoot. The output came out wonderfully. Jyothi Krishna showed pre-visualizations of how every scene would be done. He is a capable director. He has a good grasp of technical departments. Manoj Paramahamsa Garu joined such a person. With Ratnam Garu's experience, these two together shaped the film wonderfully. I wanted to give my best to Ratnam Garu, my favorite producer, and a producer who supports the Telugu industry.
I have proposed Ratnam Garu's name to Chief Minister Chandrababu Garu as the Chairman of the Film Development Corporation. Not because he is my producer, but because I proposed that if such a person is there, the film industry will flourish.
