How does it feel to make your debut production with a big star like Ram Charan?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: It is my good fortune to make my first film as a producer with Ram Charan garu. This project became possible only because he agreed to do it. I sincerely thank Ram Charan garu for giving me this opportunity.We made this film on a grand scale within the planned budget. From the first day to the last day of the shoot, the entire team worked with the same positive energy. On the final day of shooting, Ram Charan garu, director Buchi Babu garu and the entire team became very emotional.
Can you tell us about your background?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: I come from an agricultural family. My father is a farmer. I studied in Vijayawada and later entered the construction field after completing engineering. Naveen garu is my close friend, and he has always had a strong passion for cinema. That is how we entered the film industry.
What challenges did you face as a producer?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru:Challenges depend on how we handle them. As far as Peddi is concerned, our journey was very happy and smooth. From the first day to the last day, the shooting process happened in a very cool and positive atmosphere. We did not face any major challenges.
What impressed you when Buchi Babu narrated the story?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: The entire story is extraordinary. From the beginning to the end, audiences will remain fully engaged in the theatre. The film has commercial elements, strong emotions and powerful drama. Everything that an audience expects from a big-screen entertainer is fully packed in Peddi. Buchi Babu garu has designed it as a complete package.
What can you say about Ram Charan’s work for the film?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: Words are not enough to describe how much Ram Charan garu worked for this film. Audiences will understand his transformation only when they watch it on the big screen. He trained specially for two years for this role. He worked extremely hard and did not even bother about injuries.
Even after getting stitches near his eye, he came to the shoot the very next day. That shows his dedication. This is a film with a very intense performance. Whatever the director asked for, Ram Charan garu delivered it without any compromise. Even when his body did not fully support him, he would take physiotherapy and immediately get ready for the shoot. Audiences are going to witness all his hard work on the big screen. I was present on the sets throughout the shoot.
How important is A.R. Rahman’s music for Peddi?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: A.R. Rahman garu is a legendary music director. When Buchi Babu garu first developed the story, he had already fixed Rahman garu’s name in his mind. After listening to the story, Rahman garu became even more excited than us. He worked more deeply than we expected for this film.He composed every detail with great care. We can never forget his support. He has given an outstanding album. We have all seen how beautifully the songs have reached the audience.
How is the film’s business progressing?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: The business has been completely closed. We are very peaceful and confident.
There are already huge expectations around the film. How will the trailer be?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: After the trailer releases, the expectations will rise even higher. Whatever expectations people have now, the film will go beyond them. After watching the trailer, audiences will immediately feel like watching the film in theatres.From the title cards to the ending, audiences will not move from their seats. The film is that full-packed. People are eagerly waiting to watch Peddi. The film will have a grand release not only in the Telugu states but also across India and overseas.
Is Sukumar involved in Peddi?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: I do not think Sukumar garu had direct involvement in the making. From the story stage onwards, Buchi Babu garu handled everything. He may have discussed the story with his guru Sukumar garu in the beginning, but after the shoot started, Buchi Babu garu completely took care of the film.
What can you say about Shiva Rajkumar and the other actors?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: Shiva Rajkumar garu, Jagapathi Babu garu, Divyendu Sharma, Boman Irani, Tinnu Anand and every other character are strongly connected to the story. All of them lived in their roles. Audiences will strongly feel the impact of every character.
How are Rathnavelu’s visuals in the film?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: Rathnavelu garu has given the best visuals. The story is set in the backdrop of the 1980s. Our art director Avinash created wonderful sets and built a special world for Peddi. We also shot in real locations like Sri Lanka, Pune and Delhi.
You look very calm before the release. What gives you confidence?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: We have strong confidence in our content. That is what gives us confidence. After watching the trailer, the excitement among audiences will increase even more.
What is your next film?
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: A film with Balakrishna garu is currently in progress.
All the best.
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru: Thank you.
