Cinejosh Exclusive Interviews: O Saathiya

'O Saathiya', a love story starring Aryan Gowra and Mishti Chakraborty has been making the right noise with its songs and trailers. The quality content made an impression among the viewers. Divya Bhavana is making her debut as a director while Subhash and Chandana are producing the film. CineJosh exclusively talked with Producer Subhash and Director Divya Bhavana about 'O Saathiya' which is releasing on July 7th. Latest get to know about their journey in making 'O Saathiya'

Producer Subhash:

✴️How did the 'O Saathiya' movie materialize?

- I didn't hail from the movie background. I am an IT employee. Our hero Aryan wrote a story by himself. When he was in search of producers, I met him with a common friend. He worked in Accenture during night times and worked for movies during day time. I liked his passion and came forward to produce 'O Saathiya'.

✴️What about the director?

- When we were in search of a director. Our co-writer Shailaja Garu suggested her friend Divya Bhavana. We went through her profile. Both of them worked as assistant writers for Vijayendra Prasad Garu. She also studied at New York Film Academy. So, we went ahead with her as the director of the film.

✴️What is your opinion after watching the first copy?

- She gave 200% output more than what she narrated to me. I am very confident about the film after watching it.

✴️'O Saathiya' is not a Telugu word. Why did you go for it?

- Initially, we wanted to title the film, 'First Love' but it was already registered. Then we pondered over several titles like Nuvve Kavali. I felt there is a trend going on for love stories with Bollywood titles like Ishq, Fidaa, and Kushi. And also Bhaskarabhatla Garu already wrote a song 'O Saathiya'. So I felt it would suit our film.

✴️Do you feel any tension to release your film in a very tight competition? Why did you opt for the Theatrical release?

- I believe I didn't produce an OTT film. O Saathiya is a film that can be experienced properly while watching in the theatre. The quality, making, production values, quality, and songs of the film are made on a large canvas. You didn't feel like this film has been made by first-timers. We have generated a very good content film with visuals experienced on a big screen.

✴️Subhash Garu, are you comfortable with a budget, working days, and marketing of the film?

- The budget of the film crossed 5 Crs. The film was also marketed well with advertisements and successfully went into the audience. 

✴️Why did you keep Pawan Kalyan's dialogue in the film? To attract the fans or is it a part of the film?

- As per the story, Hero is a Pawan Kalyan Gari fan. We recreated the Kushi episode and hence came that dialogue in the film.

✴️About Artists and Technicians?

- This is the first film for most of the technicians, Music Director Vinod Kumar, Cinematography Venu, and Art Director Venu. The film has seasoned actors Devi Prasad, Kalpalatha, Annapurnamma, and Amrutham Appaji Garu casted in apt roles.

✴️When we watch some movies in theatres, we feel that it is an OTT film. I didn't compromise on quality. You can see it on the screen. Technicians wise too Raghu master, Baba Bhaskar, Annee master, Lyric writer Ananth Sriram, Bhaskarabhatla, Rambabu Gosala, Singers Javed Ali, Rahul Sipligunj, Yazin Nizar and Karthik worked for 'O Saathiya'.

Director Divya Bhavana:

✴️How did you get the interest to become a Director?

- I am from Vizag. I have been addicted to movies since my childhood. Then I started writing stories, novels, and poems. Some of them got international awards too. Then I tried to get in touch with movie people requesting on Facebook from Vizag. But, I used to get very little response. I worked on the Burrakatha movie with Director Diamond Rathnababu Garu. After that, I joined Vijayendra Prasad Gari's office. 

✴️You are a writer but for 'O Saathiya' you have directed another's story. How did you own the story?

- Usually, we have directors write their own stories. But, in Hollywood the pattern is quite different one writes and someone directs it. I worked at New York Film Academy as a 3D animator.  I am familiar with color combinations and other technical details. 'O Saathiya' is a small cute love story. I felt very comfortable directing it.

✴️Why did you use Pawan Kalyan's dialogue?

- It was already written in the script. The dialogue comes in a cute scene naturally in a flow. We didn't insert it forcefully. 

✴️Whose First love experiences were shown in the film Your's or Aryan's?

- It's completely Aryan only. He wrote the entire story. The twist in the tale is, I have narrated this story to Vijayendra Prasad Garu and he added a twist to the climax. It completely gives a new flavor to the film.

✴️Why did you release your film among several films on the same day?

- Every film falls under a different genre. Ours is a pure love story that is aimed at youth. 

✴️Why did you spend so much, particularly on Music?

- Music is a lifeline for any love story.  Beautiful lyrics and songs play a key role in a love story. Our film has a very good song but we opted to release it after the release of the film.

✴️Divya Garu, as a female director for love stories, did any other sensibilities add to the film compared to a male director?

- There is no difference between male and female directors when it comes to creativity. 

✴️You are a writer. How did you handle visuals, camera angles, and direction for your first film?

- I worked for two years at New York Film Academy in 3D animation. So, I have a visual sense in that regard.

✴️Tell us about the movie-making experience.

- The entire shooting happened in a joyful mood. I didn't find any difficulty while making the film.

✴️Tell us about the support from technicians and artists.

- I have to say about my direction department. They are eight members, who continuously lend their support to me. They are Naresh, Chinna, Gokul, Srikanth, Shankar, Prasad, Punith, and Gopi. Cameraman Venu Garu did a very good job and this is his first film. Music Director VinnuGaruu has already worked with Aryan for Zee Zombie. He has given beautiful songs and bgm. Art Director RaviGaruu did a good job.

✴️What is your confidence in your film? How do you draw the audience to theatres?

- Our producer Subhash Garu is doing everything to register and create buzz about the film in the audience. 

✴️How do you feel before the film's release?

- I am very confident. We have watched the film and we are very happy about the product. The only thing is we are waiting for good word of mouth from the audience.

✴️Why did I need to watch 'O Saathiya'?

- The film has a pure love story. The film deals with first love. After watching the film, everyone will remember their first love. It will be a heartwarming film for sure.