Hyderabad
January 20, 2008

Director Dasarath made his debut with the blockbuster Santosham. After facing couple of disappointments he has now teamed up with Jagapati Babu who is on a winning streak with three successive blockbusters. With Anushka and Bhumika Chawla as heroines, Dasarath and Jagapati Babu are all set to release Swagatam. Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with Dasarath -

You had a dream debut with Santosham. What went wrong with the subsequent films?
I worked for all projects with equal dedication and commitment. Sambaram and Sri films lacked entertainment. There are some roadblocks for those films between the script level and execution.

How did Swagatam film happen?
I am a book lover and I share a good rapport with Jagapati Babu's brother Ram Prasad (Walden Books, Hyderabad). I narrated the story to him and he made me meet Jagapati Babu.

What is the story of Swagatam?
This film is based on relationships and it has the backdrop of the USA. Though there are two heroines, this film is definitely not a 2-wife film. But there will be ladies orientation and enough sentiment. Anushka is playing the role of a Telugu girl born and brought up in the USA. Bhumika plays the role of a match maker and Jagapati Babu is the businessman. First half of the film would be very entertaining. Second half will be soulful. There is very good comedy in the film.

How many days did you shoot this film. And is there any particular significance to USA?
We completed the shoot in 73 working days. We exposed 75,000 feet of negative. We shot the film in Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Manhattan. 60% of the screen time will take place in USA and we shot 4 songs over there.

Why did you choose the backdrop of USA? For richness or variety?
The story of the film is specifically related to New Jersey. Hence, the story is completely relevant to New Jersey.

What are the strengths of Swagatam?
Entertainment and emotions. This film too has stronger emotions than that of Santosham.

Who did screenplay?
Gopi Mohan who does screenplay for my films provided screenplay for this film too. It is going to be one of the highlights. Praveen Varma helped me in dialogues section (especially in comedy scenes).

Who would standout in this film?
You have seen Anushka as glamour doll so far. She will reckon you with her histrionics in Swagatam.

Why did you titled this film as Swagatam?
The title was suggested by Jagapati Babu. It is a feel good title. It is related to the story. And it also reflects the S sentiment of me and Jagapati Babu.

How is Jagapati Babu as a producer?
This project could happen only due to Jagapati Babu. Thanks to him. He is a good hearted man. A friendly guy with no ego. He handled the production very smoothly.

Aditya Ram has the corporate style and he is excellent. I would like to thank project coordinator Bhageeratha, Tandava Krishna, Kurra Ranga Rao and directorial team for helping in finished this project to the utmost satisfaction.

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