Siva Mallala has turned producer with his Satya movie and as the movie is releasing on 10th May, he talked to press. Here are excerpts from his interaction.
Q: Can you tell us about the upcoming movie “Satya”?
A: “Satya” is set to release on May 10th, and it’s a Telugu adaptation of the Tamil hit film “Rangoli.” Directed by Vaali Mohan Das and starring Hamaresh and Pradhana, it’s being brought to the Telugu audience by Siva Mallala under the producership of Sivam Media.
Q: How did your involvement with this movie begin?
A: The journey of this movie began when Satish, the father of Tamil producer Hero Hamaresh, introduced me to it during my visit to Chennai. As our friendship grew, he arranged a special screening for me, acknowledging my positive reviews in Telugu cinema.
Although I was deeply engrossed in the film, I found the climax lacking. After a 45-minute debate with the director, I insisted that while the movie was excellent, the climax needed enhancement.
Subsequently, after two months, I was invited again, and this time, renowned directors were present for the screening. I was invited on stage to share my thoughts, and it was announced that I would be releasing the film in Telugu.
From that moment, this film became my passion project. We invested 12 lakhs in dubbing alone, ensuring no compromises were made. Our aim is to present this movie to the audience as a flawless Telugu film.
Q: What prompted you to take on the responsibility of releasing this film in Telugu?
A: After multiple screenings and discussions, I felt a strong connection with the film. Despite the initial shortcomings, I saw its potential and decided to take on the challenge of presenting it to the Telugu audience as a complete and polished product.
Q: What is your impression of the director, Vaali Mohan Das?
A: When asked about my impression of the director, I recalled my previous collaboration with Vali as an executive producer on a film featuring Naveen Chandra and Amrita Iyer, with Prakash Raju as a partner.
Witnessing Vali’s adept handling of a six-minute scene during the shooting of “Ramayanam,” I was impressed and immediately offered him ₹2,000 as an advance for our next project together.
His emotional response affirmed his dedication to filmmaking. Vali is a director known for his stellar performances. He is currently involved in multiple projects, including one with Niharika in Telugu and others in Tamil and Malayalam. He is not driven by financial gain but rather by his passion for cinema.
Q: How many theaters are you planning to release the film in?
A: We’re aiming to release the film in 28 theaters in ceded, Initial part of this count is more than sufficient to a dubbing film, including well-known chains like PVR, Inox, and Cinemax, ensuring widespread accessibility for the audience.
Q: Considering the financial risk involved, what gives you confidence in the success of this venture?
A: Despite the financial risk involved, I am confident in the film’s potential. Hamaresh’s resemblance to GV Prakash has already garnered attention, and the movie is being released by Red Giant Productions.
Furthermore, Amazon has shown interest in acquiring the rights, and we hold the Telugu rights, which adds to the film’s value. The buzz generated on social media, with around 2 million posts about ‘Rangoli 2,’ indicates significant anticipation for the film’s release in Telugu.
Q: Have there been any changes made to the Telugu version compared to the original Tamil version?
A: Fortunately, the climax was shot separately for both versions, allowing us to tailor it to suit the Telugu audience’s preferences. However, we’ve retained the essence of the original while ensuring seamless synchronization through dubbing.
Q: What are the central themes explored in the movie?
A: The movie delves into the intricate dynamics of the father-son relationship, particularly in the context of education. While education is a key theme, the film also touches upon various family emotions and friendships, offering a well-rounded viewing experience.
Q: How would you describe the music and overall reception of the film so far?
A: The music, originally composed for the Tamil version, has received praise, and Rambabu Gosala’s lyrics have been seamlessly adapted into Telugu. Despite some Tamil influence in the hero’s dialogue delivery during dubbing, it adds a unique flavor to the Telugu version, as suggested by Satish. Overall, the positive reception from all quarters bodes well for the film.
Q: Any final thoughts or acknowledgments?
A: I’d like to extend my gratitude to Dil Raju for his support and to all the directors who graced the event with their presence, contributing to the excitement surrounding the film’s release.