Interview with Director SJ Shiva: Bringing a New Flavour to Telugu Cinema with “Bakasura Restaurant
Q: SJ Shiva, your film “Bakasura Restaurant” is being touted as a fresh experience for Telugu cinema. What can you tell us about the story?
SJ Shiva:
“Bakasura Restaurant” is what we’re calling a hunger comedy entertainer. Telugu films have covered many genres over time, but this “food-loving ghost” concept is something fresh. Just imagine — a ghost whose appetite causes chaos! We use that premise to drive the comedy, the thrills, and the emotional moments. We always wanted to entertain the audience in a new way.
Q: Comedian Praveen leads the film. How did that casting decision come about?
SJ Shiva:
Initially, we considered a few other heroes. But most were interested only in solo-hero projects, and our story doesn’t fit that mold. Around then, we heard Praveen was keen to act as a lead. We approached him, shared that this is a story about five bachelors and the chaos they face. Praveen loved it and said, “Let’s do it — here, the story is the hero!” That’s how he came onboard.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself — your own journey into directing.
SJ Shiva:
I did my International Business Management in London, then worked as an assistant director for “Virupaksha.” My father was a film producer, and I always wanted to fulfill his dream of making movies. This time, my elder brother produced, and I directed — it was a family effort!
Q: Does the whole story really unfold in a restaurant?
SJ Shiva:
Yes! It’s the story of a young man with dreams of opening his own place, but once the supernatural — in the form of a gluttonous ghost — arrives, everything turns upside down. Still, it’s a very clean, family-friendly comedy.
Q: Is this genre-mixing — horror, comedy, and emotion — a deliberate experiment?
SJ Shiva:
One hundred percent. We wanted to try something commercially bold — mixing genres like “Yamaleela” and “Ghatotkachudu” once did, but with a new flavor. Our food-loving ghost creates both laughs and thrills, and we’re confident audiences want this kind of unique storytelling.
Q: There’s buzz that Dil Raju’s team is distributing the film. Is that true?
SJ Shiva:
Yes, it’s true. Sirish garu from SVC (Sri Venkateswara Creations) saw the film, spent an hour discussing it with us, and appreciated the unique storyline. We’re thrilled that such a respected banner is backing our release.
Q: Some might question putting a big budget behind a film without big stars. What’s your response?
SJ Shiva:
We put our faith in the story. These days, a big star doesn’t guarantee a hit. We decided instead to spend on high production values rather than star salaries. If a movie has strong content, it can go far—recent successes have proved that.
Q: Who do you think will connect most with your film?
SJ Shiva:
Anyone who has ever lived the bachelor life! That chaotic, fun period in life is at the heart of this movie. And yes, Viva Harsha plays Bakasura — our title ghost.
Q: Your first time as a director — how’s the experience been?
SJ Shiva:
It’s tough! In this industry, people don’t often ask about the story or the script — they just want to know who’s financing and what the budget is! But for me, it’s been rewarding to focus on telling our own unique story.
Q: What style of films do you want to make next?
SJ Shiva:
I love movies like Vithalacharya’s classics — fantasy adventures. My next script is a faction-action entertainer. Nobody’s seen that particular backdrop in Telugu cinema for a while, and I’m excited to bring it to life.
Q: Will SJ Movies continue as the production banner?
SJ Shiva:
We created SJ Movies to support new directors and new creatives. My next film will be with a different banner, but SJ Movies will be bringing out more films soon.
Q: People are already asking: Is there a sequel planned?
SJ Shiva:
No, this is it! Bakasura’s story and his emotional arc wrap up in this movie.
Q: Finally, what’s your goal as a filmmaker?
SJ Shiva:
I want to be efficient — to complete films quickly and use the budget wisely, like Puri Jagannadh garu. Money should be spent properly so everyone benefits. For instance, our ₹5 crore budget for “Bakasura Restaurant” looks like a ₹12 crore film onscreen. That’s something I’m proud of.
“Bakasura Restaurant” releases worldwide on August 8. Get ready for a hunger comedy that promises thrills, laughs, and a whole lot of heart!
Post a Comment