Young Hero Santosh Soban's latest film 'Prem Kumar' is getting ready to release in theatres on 18th August. Writer, Actor Abhishek Maharshi is debuting as Director with this film. Raasi Singh and Ruchitha Sadineni are playing as female leads. Shiva Prasad Panneeru is producing this film under Sharanga Entertainments Pvt Ltd banner. He spoke with CineJosh exclusively about his journey with 'Prem Kumar'. Let's get into the conversation.
What is 'Prem Kumar'?
- 'Prem Kumar' is a fun-filled film. Its an out & out comedy entertainer. It will entertain you for two and a half hours in the theatre.
What is the concept of the film?
- Usually in our Telugu film love stories, during climax Hero somehow manages to unite with Heroine during marriage scenes. No one thinks about the leftover bridegroom. For instance Salman Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Prabhu Deva in Santosham. Prem Kumar is like that person. He was left single during his marriage for many times. What is his journey after that is the story.
Whose thought is this?
- Abhishek Maharshi is the writer and director of this film. Anirudh Krishnamurthy also contributed in writing the script. Both of them put this together. But basic idea and structure is made by Abhishek.
Don't you feel the risk to produce film with Hero who is in flops and a new director?
- Risk is everywhere. I have been in business since the last 10 years. Its about how calculatedly you approach it. I know Abhishek since 10 years and I know about his strengths and weaknesses. So, I didn't felt like I was working with a new person. I also know Santosh from a longtime. I know about him too. He is a very good performer. As a friend who knows his strengths, I wanted a story which complements his strengths. That's how I picked up this script. It is entirely a Santosh Soban's film. After watching the film you will say that this is the best performance from Santosh Soban.
Have you completed the film within the budget and did business as per your calculations?
- Not everything. But, I tried to fit majority of aspects in my calculated zone.
Did Abhishek managed to completed the film within scheduled working days and budget?
- Abhishek has completed within expected working days. We had problems on the set, but very less when compared to regular shootings. All of us being friends we shared the work. It is the main reason behind completing the film quickly.
Did the film transformed from paper to screen as per your expectations?
- The film came to the screen 100% of what I have listened as a story. That's why I am confident about the film.
What is the final runtime of the film?
- The final runtime after completing censor is 2 Hours 32 minutes.
What about cast and crew?
- Abhishek has a different writing style. When you look at the campaign and posters, it look different. Even the title and it's design has a vintage tinge. The comedy in the film also has Jandhyala garu and EVV gari touch to it. Characters and scenes will make you laugh. All of us being Chiranjeevi gari fans and Jandhyala gari fans, we had a feel like Chantabbayi kind of film while making the film.
Tell us about Technicians?
- Among all the technicians worked for the film, majority of them are debutants. Our DOP Rampy Nandigam worked for KU Mohan for the last 25 years and worked for many Bollywood films. Anant Srikar who composed music for the film has worked with Sricharan Pakala for the last seven years. Editor Garry is quite popular. His inputs were so much into the film. Krishnan Sujeeth worked for costumes and he has very good idea about his work.
What kind of response are you expecting from the audience for 'Prem Kumar'?
- I want everyone to enjoy the film. Just feel relaxed and get entertained for two and a half hours.
CineJosh wishing a super success to the entire team of 'Prem Kumar'.