Thammudu Will Deliver an Unprecedented Theatrical High with Cutting-Edge Storytelling and Craftsmanship: Dil Raju
Hot on the heels of the blockbuster Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Sri Venkateswara Creations is poised to enthrall audiences once again with Thammudu, headlined by Nithiin and helmed by Sriram Venu. Backed by producers Dil Raju and Sirish, the film features Laya, Varsha Bollamma, and Saptami Gowda in pivotal roles and is gearing up for a grand worldwide release on July 4. Ahead of its premiere, producer Dil Raju shared key insights in an exclusive conversation with the media.
On Long-Term Collaborations:
Dil Raju highlighted his unique working style rooted in mutual respect, citing Sriram Venu’s journey with the banner from Arya days as an example. Sriram stayed not for money, but because of our shared wavelength. While many in the industry work purely for financial gain, I prefer nurturing genuine connections like I do with Anil Ravipudi, Srikanth Addala, and others. I step in with inputs during scripting or editing if necessary, but never stifle a director’s creativity.
On the Film’s Core Narrative:
Thammudu stands apart with a gripping plot that unfolds almost entirely in a single day after the initial 20 minutes. It’s packed with intense action 5-6 sequences, two of which the censor board deemed too violent for a ‘U/A’ certificate. We chose to retain them, accepting an ‘A’ certificate, because this film was crafted for a raw, immersive theater experience, Raju explained. It’s not a family entertainer like Sankranthiki Vasthunnam; it’s for those who crave a thrilling ride.
On Visuals and Production:
The film’s 150-day shoot, 80% of which took place in forest locations, focused on achieving impeccable visual and sound quality. Sriram prioritized technical finesse to maximize the big-screen impact, he added.
Fighting Piracy:
Raju expressed commitment to tackling piracy head-on. We’re coordinating with the government, and recent arrests of camcorder pirates prove our seriousness. Pirated copies sold for $400-1,000 can translate to crores in producer losses. We’re working systematically to curb this.
Premiere Shows and OTT:
He confirmed discussions about premiere shows, clarifying, As FDC Chairman, I’m ensuring all permissions comply with regulations. Meanwhile, Netflix previewed the film and was impressed enough to secure digital rights.
Facing Criticism:
Raju urged critics to consider the producer’s risks. Negative reviews hit producers the hardest. Some interpret my honesty as arrogance, like when I told Nithiin he hadn’t matched Allu Arjun’s growth despite debuting earlier but that’s just me being candid out of goodwill.
On the Film’s Strengths:
Ajaneesh’s exceptional sound design and Sriram’s inventive screenplay will give audiences a fresh cinematic experience, Raju promised. Though the story is simple centering on a brother-sister conflict the treatment is what makes it compelling. If the first Friday’s shows resonate with viewers, we’ll know we’ve struck gold.
Approach to Production:
Raju emphasized careful planning as key to success. Our priority is to create solid films and time their release well. If audiences like what they see, box office success follows. For instance, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam exceeded expectations thanks to director Anil’s meticulous planning. We’re similarly confident about Thammudu, though its real potential will unfold on release day.
Nurturing New Talent:
Through his Dil Raju Dreams initiative, he’s paving the way for fresh talent across the industry. We received over 12,000 applications on day one. After a thorough selection process, we shortlisted 1,400 aspirants, and from 81 producer applicants, we chose 7. We’re supporting them by either funding their projects or guiding them through production and release.
On Industry Development:
Dil Raju shared updates on initiatives like the recently revived Gaddar Awards and plans to restart the Children’s Film Festival. Efforts like online ticketing and run-tracking systems are also in progress, he said.
Upcoming Projects:
Their production slate includes Rowdy Janardhan, Yellamma, and Dethadi, with all four slated for release next year. Further, scripts are underway for 5-6 new projects set to kick off by 2026. The upcoming lineup features collaborations with directors like Anil Ravipudi and Hanif Adani (Marco fame), two debut filmmakers, and a major project with the Animal production team currently scouting a suitable star. Meanwhile, several ventures are taking shape under Dil Raju Dreams, all aimed at creating engaging cinema that can draw audiences back to theaters.
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