Left Billa 2 for Panjaa, Director Drops Bomb!

Director Vishnu Vardhan’s name may not immediately ring a bell with everyone. He is best known for films like the original Tamil Billa and the Telugu film Panjaa.

In an exclusive interview with Gulte pro ahead of the Panjaa 4K re-release on September 2, coinciding with Pawan Kalyan’s birthday, Vishnu Vardhan revisited his memories of working with Pawan Kalyan and made an interesting revelation about Billa 2.

Vishnu recalled that his first meeting with Pawan Kalyan began on an interesting note. The two immediately connected over their common interest in guns. He said Pawan had a unique combination of swag, softness and style.

Vishnu also revealed that he wanted Pawan to sport a beard for Panjaa, and the actor readily agreed. That decision eventually helped shape Pawan’s distinctive look in the film.

However, the biggest revelation was about Billa 2. Vishnu said he had an opportunity to direct Billa 2 with Ajith even before Panjaa was started. Billa had already become a blockbuster, and Billa 2 had been announced with Ajith, with posters also released.

At that point, Vishnu found himself in a difficult situation. His film with Pawan Kalyan had already been committed, while Billa 2 with Ajith was also on the table. Due to date issues, he had to choose only one of the two films.

Vishnu admitted that choosing between Panjaa and Billa 2 was the toughest decision of his life.

Professionally and ethically, Vishnu felt he had to honour his earlier commitment to Pawan Kalyan. He ultimately chose Panjaa and let go of Billa 2.

“Ajith sir understood. Later, I worked with him for Aarambham,” Vishnu recalled.

The director also opened up about his Telugu roots. Though he was born and brought up in Chennai and does not speak Telugu fluently, Vishnu said he considers himself a proper Telugu person.

“I may not speak Telugu well. But I’m proper Telugu, but born and brought up in Chennai. So, for me, Panjaa was exploring new avenues,” he said.

Vishnu also credited the people behind Panjaa for placing their trust in him, particularly producers Neelima Tirumalasetti and Shobu Yarlagadda, along with Pawan Kalyan himself.

According to Vishnu, their trust gave him the opportunity to explore a new space with Panjaa, a film that is now returning to theatres in 4K ahead of Pawan Kalyan’s birthday.