Can you tell us about your journey into cinema?
Madhu Kalipu: I do not come from a film background. I have known director Sekhar Kammula since the time of Happy Days, while Kiran and Adivi Sesh are also good friends of mine. Those connections gradually brought me into cinema. Before entering the film industry, I was involved in businesses across banking, real estate and automobiles.
How did Mahendragiri Varahi begin?
Madhu Kalipu: After Rangamarthanda, I wanted to produce another meaningful film. Around that time, director Santosh narrated this script centred on Goddess Varahi. I found the story compelling and decided to begin the project. Our banner is named Rajashyamala Entertainments, which itself carries the name of a goddess, so producing this devotional film felt especially meaningful.
The film features several prominent actors. What can audiences expect from them?
Madhu Kalipu: It is a genuine multistarrer featuring talented performers such as Sumanth, Siddu Jonnalagadda and Aishwarya Rajesh. Sumanth has delivered a remarkable performance, while Aishwarya Rajesh looks powerful and divine in the form of the goddess. Siddu’s special character creates a major impact. I have known him for some time, and he agreed to join the film because he genuinely liked the story and his role.
The narrative revolves around Goddess Varahi and will offer audiences a fresh cinematic experience. We mounted the film on a grand scale with a substantial budget and did not compromise on any aspect of its production.
How did Lakshman become associated with the project?
Madhu Kalipu: Lakshman has been with me since Rangamarthanda. He liked the story of Mahendragiri Varahi and decided to become part of the project as a co-producer.
What can you tell us about the visual effects and technical presentation?
Madhu Kalipu: This is a film driven by strong devotional elements, and we ensured that everything required by the story was executed without compromise. The film contains nearly an hour of VFX work completed at Annapurna Studios. The effects look natural and impressive rather than artificial. The music and background score are also major strengths that significantly enhance the devotional and action sequences.
Where was the film shot?
Madhu Kalipu: Most of the film was shot at authentic locations, including Ramachandrapuram Fort, Muchintal, Gandikota and several places across Odisha. We constructed a massive set only for the sanctum of Goddess Varahi. Shooting extensively at real locations has given the film a convincing scale and visual richness.
What is special about Brahmanandam’s character?
Madhu Kalipu: Brahmanandam plays a deeply devotional character unlike anything he has portrayed before. Audiences will see him in a completely different role, and his performance will be one of the film’s notable attractions.
Did Pawan Kalyan’s Varahi Yatra influence the film?
Madhu Kalipu: Pawan Kalyan’s Varahi Yatra brought considerable public attention to the name Varahi. We later witnessed the observance of Goddess Varahi’s Gupta Navaratri celebrations and the construction of a temple in Kakinada. Pawan Kalyan worshipped the goddess with devotion and achieved remarkable results. We believe that Goddess Varahi’s blessings will be upon everyone.
How is the film performing in terms of business and distribution?
Madhu Kalipu: The OTT agreements were finalised soon after the teaser was released. Following the trailer’s release, several distributors approached us for the theatrical rights. However, because we strongly believe in the content, we decided to release the film ourselves on a large scale worldwide. It is scheduled to open on approximately 900 screens.
As part of the promotional campaign, idols of Goddess Varahi have been installed in nearly 150 theatres. The film has generated considerable interest among audiences. I watched the final version recently, and it has turned out wonderfully. Sirish watched the double-positive version nearly a month ago and gave the film full marks.
We believe viewers will leave the theatre with a profound sense of devotion and offer their respects to Goddess Varahi after experiencing the film.
What are your upcoming projects?
Madhu Kalipu: I am considering producing another film with director Santosh. In addition, we are collaborating with a Hollywood studio on a horror film that will be made directly in English and Telugu.
