How did the idea for Jatadhara come about?
Prerna Arora: "I’ve always admired Telugu cinema and culture. Even though I’ve been involved in Hindi films, Telugu movies have always inspired me. After watching Ram Charan’s Orange, I developed a passion for Telugu storytelling. Later, through Sudheer Babu, I connected with directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, who narrated Jatadhara. I instantly fell in love with the story, and that’s how this journey began."
What makes Jatadhara stand out from other films?
Prerna Arora: "Jatadhara blends family emotions, supernatural thriller elements, and mythological depth. It’s a pan-India film with universal appeal, offering a stunning visual experience. The emotional and spiritual layers in the film make it special, which is why we decided to release it in both Telugu and Hindi."
How was working with Sudheer Babu?
Prerna Arora: "I’m a big fan of Sudheer Babu. He is incredibly hardworking and passionate about his craft. For my first Telugu project, it was special to work with him. He gave his all in the emotionally and physically intense scenes. His dedication and performance will stay with the audience long after watching the movie."
What was Sonakshi Sinha’s reaction when she heard the story?
Prerna Arora: "When I first heard the script, I immediately knew it had to be made in Hindi as well. Sonakshi is a phenomenal actress, and once she heard the story, she was on board. Her role as Dhana Pishachi is powerful and unforgettable. She did an amazing job with elaborate costumes, intense preparation, and thrilling action sequences alongside Sudheer Babu."
Does Jatadhara draw from Indian mythology?
Prerna Arora: "Yes, the story is inspired by ancient Indian mythology, particularly the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The concept of Nagabandham played a significant role in shaping the script. I’ve always been fascinated by the Puranas, and Lord Venkateswara is my favorite deity. The film weaves elements of divine and black magic seamlessly into the narrative."
How significant is VFX in Jatadhara?
Prerna Arora: "Around 60% of the film’s visuals are shot live, with only 40% involving VFX, and we used it only where absolutely necessary. The goal was to keep the visuals as natural as possible, and I’m proud to say the VFX feels seamless. It enhances the storytelling, making everything feel real."
What role does Shilpa Shirodkar play in Jatadhara?
Prerna Arora: "I met Shilpa during her time on Bigg Boss. After the show, I shared the role with her, and she loved it. Her character is emotionally powerful, and her performance is one of the film’s emotional highlights."
Can we expect a sequel to Jatadhara?
Prerna Arora: "Absolutely. While I can’t confirm if it will be a direct sequel or a continuation, the universe of Jatadhara will definitely expand. We are already planning a new Telugu movie with a big star, and details will be revealed soon."
What’s your experience with Zee Studios?
Prerna Arora: "My collaboration with Zee Studios has been fantastic, especially after our film Rustum. With Jatadhara, we’ve strengthened our partnership even more. I’m also looking forward to working with more Telugu production houses in the future."
