Tell us about your background and how Pallu Burusu began.
Uday Chauhan: I come from Mahabubnagar district, and both my parents were government employees. I was interested in cinema from childhood, although my family initially wanted me to pursue medicine. Because of my passion for films, I chose Mass Communication and later studied in Pune for two years, where I learned screenplay writing and direction. I then worked as an assistant on ad films in Mumbai, which gave me practical experience.
In 2016, I moved to Hyderabad and started trying to make films. I independently made a film and sent it to festivals, which gave me more confidence. Around the same time, I got an opportunity to work with Disney+ Hotstar and spent three years there. After writing this story, I was looking for the right banner and got an opportunity to narrate it at Annapurna Studios. I have always admired the banner because of the distinctive films it supports. Supriya liked the story immediately, and that is where the journey of Pallu Burusu began.
How much of the story is inspired by your hometown?
Uday Chauhan: I was born in Mahabubnagar and closely observed the people, incidents and relationships in villages. I have always preferred spending time in villages rather than towns because there is a certain peace and warmth there. The affection people show and the way they live together fascinated me. Villages are full of interesting stories, and I particularly like the purity and simplicity in those stories.
Pallu Burusu also carries plenty of entertainment, but at the same time it has a heart-touching message. The film is not built around just one idea connected to the title. There are several layers in the story, and audiences will understand them when they watch the film in theatres.
Why did you cast Sudhakar Reddy and Muralidhar Goud in these roles?
Uday Chauhan: Sudhakar Reddy appeared in Balagam, although his screen time was limited, while Muralidhar Goud gained wider recognition after DJ Tillu. Audiences have previously seen Sudhakar and Muralidhar in a different relationship dynamic. In Pallu Burusu, they play father and son, which is completely different and better suited to my story. Their chemistry works very well on screen.
Where was the film shot?
Uday Chauhan: We shot the film around Siddipet and Lachapet. Those locations matched the story naturally and gave us the kind of authentic village atmosphere we needed. The local people also extended a lot of support during the shoot.
Was the story inspired by any particular real-life incident?
Uday Chauhan: I have seen many small incidents in villages where people fight seriously over minor matters and then reconcile soon afterward. There is a lot of affection beneath those conflicts. I believe even a very small incident can become a powerful and emotional story if it is presented properly. Pallu Burusu explores that kind of human relationship and emotion.
Has Nagarjuna watched the film?
Uday Chauhan: Yes. Nagarjuna watched the film and said it was very heart-touching. He also appreciated the dialogues and told us that the film moves without becoming boring. He gave us a few suggestions as well, and they were very useful. I have also narrated the story to Naga Chaitanya. He liked it very much and is expected to watch the film soon.
How do you approach pre-production?
Uday Chauhan: I believe in doing detailed pre-production. Before going to the sets, I make sure the script, artwork, locations and every other requirement are properly planned. I prefer to have complete clarity about what is needed for each scene before shooting starts.
The idea of filing a case over a toothbrush sounds unusual. Isn’t the legal expense itself much higher?
Uday Chauhan: That is exactly the kind of curiosity I wanted the audience to have. The logic behind the case is part of the story, and there are several interesting developments connected to it. Audiences will understand and enjoy those elements when they watch the film.
What can you say about Pawan CH’s music?
Uday Chauhan: Pawan is extremely talented. After listening to his work in Love Story, I understood his potential even more clearly. I narrated Pallu Burusu to him, and he immediately agreed to be part of the project. The music has come out beautifully.
Cinematographer Vinod has also delivered excellent work. We have been good friends for a long time, and our creative thoughts match closely, which helped us while making the film.
What kind of experience can audiences expect from the film?
Uday Chauhan: I believe viewers will become completely involved in the world of the film. They should feel as if they have entered the village and are living with the characters. It is a heart-touching entertainer, and I hope audiences leave the theatre with a positive feeling.
I also completed the film within the planned schedule and budget. For me, keeping the producers happy is already an important success.
Who are some of your favourite filmmakers?
Uday Chauhan: There are many directors I admire. I particularly enjoy the films of Satyajit Ray, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and S. S. Rajamouli.
What are your plans after Pallu Burusu?
Uday Chauhan: I have a few ideas for new films, but they still need more development. I plan to work on them after Pallu Burusu releases.
Pallu Burusu, jointly presented and produced by Annapurna Studios and Epic Studios, stars Sudhakar Reddy, Muralidhar Goud, Prajwal Yadma and Gomathi Reddy in key roles. The film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on August 14.
All the best.
Uday Chauhan: Thank you.
