Ari, distributed by Asian Suresh Distribution, hits the cinemas this Friday (October 10). Ahead of its theatrical release, its pre-release event was held in Hyderabad.
Speaking on the occasion, producer Dr. Thimmappa Naidu Purimetla stated that a handful of "eminent personalities" have found Ari quite relevant and well-themed. While the story is related to Arishadvargas (the six negative mental qualities of Hindu literature), the screenplay fleshes out commercial elements. "And that's something I could sense right when the director gave me the first narration," he added. Producer Srinivas Ramireddy decided to bankroll Ari as soon as he listened to the one-line storyline narrated by Jayashankarr.
MLC Addanki Dayakar said that Ari harbours a powerful concept full of meaning and substance. He expressed the wish that former VP of India Venkaiah Naidu and renowned spiritual leader Chinna Jeeyar Swamy had attended the event to endorse Ari. Some other spiritual preacher was present, though. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy was there to "bless" the movie because it talks about how humans fall from grace when they are taken over by lust, greed, envy, etc. "This film is good for our society," he said, using the words Ari and Lord Hari for a rhyming effect.
MLA Paidi Rakesh Reddy felt that many more meaningful movies will come out if Ari gets the support of the audience. He also noted that fresh talent will be encouraged to enter Tollywood. He sounded practical when he stated that it is extremely difficult to resist all negative qualities. One can only suppress, not eliminate, them. Alongside him, MLA Venkataramana Reddy batted for the "strong message" inherent to Ari. He also hoped that the director and the film's three producers would earn recognition. Telangana State Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy was another speaker who endorsed the film's orientation toward a strong message.
Cabinet Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy said that director Jayashankarr hails from his constituency. He praised the film's "fresh" concept. Batting for the encouragement of local talent, he added that courageous films need to be supported.
Dialogue King Sai Kumar suggested that Ari is a stand-out film in his 50-year-long career. As someone who grew up listening to Puranic stories narrated by his grandmother, he sees great depth in Ari. Saying that the three producers are like the 'moodu simhalu', Sai Kumar added that each performer is brilliant in Ari. He also endorsed Vinod Varma, the protagonist, on the occasion. Touching upon a recent tryst with a Bhagawad Gita rendition, Sai Kumar suggested that there is a divine hand in his career choices lately. Recalling that Venkaiah Naidu had called Ari a modern-day Gita, the versatile actor added, "No matter how modern we become, we must never forget our civilization. Through the powerful medium of cinema, we are spreading a noble message."
In his speech, director Jayashankarr spoke of his experiences of interacting with spiritual masters before writing the script. Producer RV Reddy's relentless support over the past four years also came in for mention. Dr. Thimmappa Naidu's helping hand was also acknowledged. Music director Anup Rubens stated that he thoroughly enjoyed scoring the BGM for Ari. Vinod Varma has an author-backed role, complete with a three-page dialogue-driven scene.
Actress Anasuya Bharadwaj revealed that Ari follows the anthology format. The film, she said, is a mix of solid entertainment and a healthy message.
