‘Nag Ashwin Doesn’t Give Or Take Pressure’

It’s a re-introduction as director for Anudeep KV who previously made a flop film Pittagoda. Believed in his skills and also the story, Nag Ashwin came forwards to produce the film Jathi Ratnalu and roped in three popular actors Naveen Polisetty, Priyadarshi and Rahul Ramakrishna. The film is making enough noise ahead of the release. The director interacted with scribes and here are excerpts.

How did the film happen?
I made a short film called Missed Call 10 years ago. Nag Ashwin liked it and approached to make a film with me. By the time, I was busy with post-production works of my first film Pittagoda.

What is the basic plotline of Jathi Ratnalu?
The film is about three innocent and brainless fellows who stuck in a serious crime. They don’t know anything even about police station and court.

Did you have any inspiration to pen the story or characters?
We come across many such dumb guys in real life. However, I didn’t have any inspiration to write the script. Nag Ashwin wanted to make a hilarious entertainer.

How did Naveen, Priyadarshi and Rahul come on board?
Nag Ashwin suggested Naveen’s name. We auditioned many actors for the other two roles. But, Priyadarshi and Rahul Ramakrishna were finalized. We couldn’t find any alternatives for these two roles.

Did you feel pressure during lockdown period?
I’m an easy going person. Nag Ashwin too is a jovial type who doesn’t give or take pressure. The film’s shoot took place in joyful atmosphere. We got big offers for direct OTT release, but we in order to give theatrical experience to audience waited for nearly one year.

Nag Ashwin is known for making emotional films, then why did he make a comedy film?
Nag Ashwin likes comedy. Apparently, he liked the comedy sense in me. In fact, laughter is the highest point of emotion.

How lengthy is Brahmanandam’s character?
There were only two dialogues for judge character initially. Swapna Dutt suggested Brahmanandam’s name for the role. Then, we extended the role for 20 minutes. You will definitely enjoy the courtroom scenes.

How was it working with Naveen?
Naveen is a kind of person who goes to sleep only after reading script paper of next day’s shoot. Sometimes, he used to wait till midnight till I write and send script paper. He too gave some valuable inputs.

What is the USP of the film?
No character does comedy, but the situations they go through and their innocent acts bring laughs.

Anudeep KV says his first film failed because of poor execution, but he didn’t repeat the mistakes in his second film Jathi Ratnalu hitting the screens on 11th of this month.