This week release Annapurna Photo Studio, a village based crime thriller with a love story has generated curiosity among the audiences with its impressive trailer and songs. The film which happens in 1980's with a village backdrop added more novelty to it. Chaitanya Rao, Lavanya are playing as female leads. The film is directed by Chandu Muddu who earlier directed O Pitta Katha which impressed audience for its twists and turns in the narrative. Annapurna Photo Studio is his latest film. Yash Rangineni of Big Ben Cinemas who has earlier delivered blockbuster like Pelli Choopulu and much loved Dear Comrade is producing this film.
CineJosh spoke to them exclusively. Let's get to know more about the film in their words.
Yash Rangineni exclusive on Annapurna Photo Studio
Yash Rangineni is known for his good taste in films and he ensured that movie lovers get treated with feel-good and thought-provoking entertainers like Pelli Chupulu, ABCD, Dorasani, Bhaag Saale and is now coming up with another interesting and entertaining project Annapurna Photo Studio.
✴️You are known for your good taste. How did you get connected to this story
- Annapurna Photo Studio gave a lot of excitement after Pelli Chupulu, Dorasani, and Dear Comrade. From the beginning, I love to watch good films and take good and entertaining flicks. Since my teenage, I was inspired by Jandhyala, Vishwanath, Babu, Vamsi, and Balachander especially those with rural nativity. I love Indianness and Telugu nativity and Annapurna Photo Studios appealed to me. The story has a Godavari district backdrop and a beautiful love story with twists and turns and a crime element associated with it. There is an unforced fun element in the film. I loved the unforced fun which was realistic.
I loved Chendu's O Pitta Katha and felt that he has good taste as a writer and can come up with different screenplays. He generates interest increasing curiosity levels. This story is gripping like O Pitta Katha and though the film got delayed we are excited.
✴️Is it a debut for you as an artist?
- It is a good debut as an artist with a good character for me. Even in Dorasani and Dear Comrade, I did small roles as my directors forced me. No one remembers and even I don't consider them as the debut. In this film, it is an important role At first I was scared whether I would pull up such a big and important character. Though I told them that I do not know acting, they did not hear. Director said that we are coming with newcomers in this film and if we cast any known actor for this role, they will come with barriers and this will create undue expectations. Director convinced me that I will be apt with the retro look.
✴️What was your feeling when you saw yourself on the screen
- I felt very good. Many told me that the character I played came out quite well. Many came to me and much to the surprise of me congratulated me for my performance saying a new artist came to the industry. I felt happy and at the same time panicked. I did the role for fun and I take things and drift accordingly. I don't know what destiny has in store for me.
✴️Are you experiencing pre-release tensions or relaxed
- I am keeping my calm as the promotions coming to an end. However the last six months or so I spent sleepless nights. Chendu handed over the first copy by December end of Jan first week and told me that it was my responsibility. We did everything on our own and we don't have background and don't know anyone and whom to ask for support for promotions. No one knows about the film and hopes that people come to know with good word-of-mouth talk. We did promote the last three to four days screening shows in Andhra Pradesh.
✴️You could have roped in Vijay Devarakonda for the pre-release function
- Vijay was busy with the Kushi. He would have come if I had requested, but I did not feel like that. If the film has a strong story it will perform well and just because Vijay Devarakonda comes for pre-release and there is no matter, then it will be useless. His presence would have got the attention. I did not feel like troubling and embarrassing him.
✴️What's your opinion on Annapurna Photo Studio's first copy? You are an experienced producer and came with films like Pelli Chupulu, Dear Comrade, and Dorasani and you have that experience.
- I felt very happy. After Pelli Chupulu I did such a good project and it gave similar kind of happiness and excitement. The film has all the ingredients and I am not belittling the earlier films but I felt that Annapurna Photo Studio has such a complete blend. Even if we do good films, we find some minuses regarding lags, songs, scenes etc but this film came out perfectly. The film is engaging and is short and sweet. It has all commercial elements in the rural backdrop. The characters are funny and first half is extremely fast and the second half has some mystery and crime drama. We have shot in extraordinary locations and for this film we went to 80-90 locations, All the locations are virgin and never seen on screen. Prince Henry gave extraordinary music Four songs are there and one is a folk song. regular style, Bollywood retro, and a melody. Rangamma song became a big hit. BGM is an added advantage for the film just like how it happened to Akhanda. Each character has a signature tune. The film's strong points is the film's story and quality., The film's OTT rights have been bagged by ETV Win.
Director Chandu Muddu Interview
✴️What is Annapurna Photo Studio?
- Annapurna Photo Studio is a love story that runs in 80's with a rural backdrop that has twists and turns in it.
✴️Why do you choose 80's backdrop?
- It depends on story we choose. The story I wrote didn't need any technology. This story has an innocence and charm we see during those days. It also feels fresh to watch story unfolds in that period amidst of all modern films we see every Friday.
✴️Tell us about your background?
- I made more than 10 short films. My shirt film O Chinna Prayatnam won Nandi Award as a Best Short Film.
✴️Why did you choose Producer Yash Rangineni for a character in this film?
- You will get to know why did I casted him in the role. He did very well. Most of the actors are first timers in this film.
✴️How did Chaitanya came on board for this film?
- Chaitanya approached me for an audition for other project. But, I felt his looks suit aptly for 80's appearance.
✴️Why did you opted for Annapurna Photo Studio title?
- Hero runs a photo studio named after his mother Annapurna. The story runs with studio as center point. During those days everyone in village used to come and sit at a studio. So, we went with that title.
✴️Are you satisfied with the final output?
- I am very happy with the final copy. Audience are supporting new content. I believe our film too gets similar response from the audience.
✴️You screened the film two days prior it's release. What kind of feed back you got?
- Everyone who watched the film gave a very positive report. This is a clean film with meat comedy and songs that will transport audience to the 80's. Entire family will enjoy the film.
Cinejosh wishes Annapurna Photo Studio makers all the best ahead of its release.