Vennela Kishore who made his debut in Deva Katta’s Vennela (2005) long back while working for a software company in USA. It took him 2 and half years to convince himself before leaving his job and exploring Film Nagar for a full time acting career. He made his comeback with Indumathi (2009). Now he is settled as one of popular comedy actors at present. Now he is making his directorial debut with Vennela 1 ½ which is releasing on 21 September. His next film Jaffa is going to release in October. Here are the excerpts of an exclusive chitchat -
What is the concept of Vennela 1 ½?
It is a sequel of Vennela film. The four friends get suspended from their universities in USA for their acts. They didn’t want to return to India because it’s a shame. They look out for cheaper studies in neighboring countries and find that Thailand offers education at a cheap price. Hence they join an university in Thailand. When we started shooting of Vennela 1 ½, the Hangover 2 was not released. Hangover 2 did also had the backdrop of Thailand.
When I announced the idea of Vennela 1 ½, I had offers from three producers. Varma loved the story and wanted to produce it. We shot the film in 28 days and under 1 and half crore budget.
The trailers and look of the film suggests that this film has adult content?
Yes. That’s why we got a ‘clean’ A certificate. I think that A certificate helps us by getting youth crowds to theaters. Thagubothu Ramesh did a drunkard character in this film. He uses crude language and the effectiveness goes away if mute his words. There will be a lot of dialogue fun in this movie.
Where did you shoot in Thailand?
Much of the story happens in and around Pattaya. We shot a considerable footage at the notorious Walking Street in Pattaya and we shot after 3 am to avoid crowds. The entire first half takes place in Pattaya and the second half is a road trip between Pattaya and Chang Mai. And for the climax, we had ended up in Ramoji Film City.
Why is there an year of delay in release?
We had sold it to ATV and they took some time to find the better release date. I am very happy that Anil Sunkara helped us in getting the right release not only in India, but also in USA. They are releasing in 70-100 theaters.
Why did you have ‘rape chey’ song?
Just imagine if a young villain is given a chance to sing a song for himself. That’s what Shravan did. That’s how a villain expresses passion towards his love (Rape Chey song).
Your promotional ideas are pretty innovative. Where did you get the idea of hidden cam?
It was borrowed from a TV show of Sajid Khan (Hindi film Housefull and Hey Baby’s director) when Hrithik’s films Mission Kashmir and Fiza were released.
You have a nice acting career going on. Why are you risking it with direction?
99% of people opposed when I left my career in USA to come to Hyderabad to pursue acting. But I succeeded. Likewise, 99% people are opposing my aspiration to become director. I am sure that I will succeed as a director.
What is your next film?
Vennela 1 ½ is releasing on 21 September. My second film Jaffa is going to release in the month of October. I want to make fun films under a budget of 3 crores. I want to give importance to acting career and direct films in free time.
