‘Paataku Praanam’ Begins with a Grand Launch

  ‘Paataku Praanam’ Begins with a Grand Launch as a New-Age Musical Drama

Sudarshan and Satwika to Lead the Film Directed by Hemal Thummapudi; Shekar Chandra on Board as Music Director

The upcoming Telugu film ‘Paataku Praanam’, produced under the HT Cinemas LLP banner, was officially launched in a grand ceremony at Prasad Film Labs in Hyderabad. The film marks the directorial debut of Hemal Thummapudi, who is also co-producing the project.

Popular director Surender Reddy and young hero Nikhil attended the launch as chief guests and extended their best wishes to the entire team.

Promising to be a different kind of musical drama, Paataku Praanam places music and emotions at the heart of its storytelling. Young actors Sudarshan Vangala and Satwika will be seen as the lead pair, while veteran actor Tanikella Bharani plays a key role. Rajeev Kanakala, Anitha Chowdary, Raghu Karumanchi and Brahmaji are also part of the ensemble cast.

The film’s music is being composed by acclaimed music director Shekar Chandra. The regular shooting is scheduled to commence on September 24.

According to the makers, the story revolves around an unusual musical journey involving Ramaiah, a traditional musician from an older generation, and Arun, a young man from the present generation. The film explores the meeting point between traditional musical sensibilities and contemporary musical expression.

Speaking at the launch, director Hemal Thummapudi thanked the media, chief guests Nikhil and Surender Reddy, and the entire cast and crew for their support.

He revealed that the story revolves around the musical journey undertaken by Ramaiah and a 20-year-old youngster. Describing Paataku Praanam as a new-age musical drama, Hemal said the film will feature several songs, with Shekar Chandra composing the music.

He added that the team is planning a theatrical release in the second half of next year, at an appropriate date.

Tanikella Bharani appreciated Hemal Thummapudi’s passion and confidence in bringing the project to life.

He said the film has a challenging script and gives an unusual importance to music, with the narrative itself revolving around songs rather than using them merely as additions to the story.

He also spoke about the interesting combination of a traditional musician from an older generation and a Gen-Z musician, which forms one of the film’s key elements.

While mentioning Shankarabharanam as a landmark film where music played a central role, Bharani clarified that Paataku Praanam is not being compared with that classic, but said the spirit of music-driven storytelling can be felt in the new film.

Rajeev Kanakala congratulated Hemal for attempting a musical film aimed at contemporary audiences.

He expressed confidence that the film’s musical journey will connect with viewers and also appreciated the opportunity to work again with Anitha Chowdary, following their earlier collaboration in Little Hearts.

He wished the entire team, including Sudarshan, Satwika and Hemal, success.

Anitha Chowdary said she was excited to be part of Hemal Thummapudi’s directorial debut.

She recalled her initial conversation with the director about the story and said his energy and confidence immediately made the project exciting for her.

She expressed happiness about sharing screen space once again with Tanikella Bharani and Rajeev Kanakala. Anitha will be seen playing Sudarshan’s mother in the film.

Sudarshan thanked Nikhil, Surender Reddy and the media for attending the launch and supporting the team.

He revealed that he plays Arun, a young character who becomes an important part of the film’s musical journey.

Sudarshan said working alongside such experienced actors and technicians is a valuable opportunity and praised Hemal’s passion for filmmaking. He expressed confidence that the film will offer audiences an engaging theatrical experience.

Satwika thanked everyone who attended the launch and extended their support to the film.

She revealed that she plays Radha, an important character in Arun’s life and journey.

The actress said she is thrilled to be working with the talented cast and technical team and is looking forward to the shooting and the film’s release.

Producer Sriram Thummapudi thanked chief guests Nikhil and Surender Reddy for attending the event and blessing the team.

He also expressed gratitude to Tanikella Bharani, Rajeev Kanakala, Anitha Chowdary and the entire cast and crew for their support. He sought the continued encouragement of audiences and the media throughout the film’s journey.

Cinematographer Sanjeet Singh thanked Hemal for giving him the opportunity to be part of the project.

He praised the director’s understanding of filmmaking and his ability to identify what each scene requires. He revealed that the film’s songs will also feature interesting visual treatment and said he was excited to begin the shoot with the talented cast.

Editor Prabhat Reddy Banda shared a personal connection with the director, revealing that his filmmaking journey with Hemal began during their college days when they worked together on their first short film.

After several years, the duo is reuniting for Paataku Praanam, making the project particularly special and exciting for him.

 Cast & Crew

Cast: Sudarshan, Satwika, Tanikella Bharani, Rajeev Kanakala, Anitha Chowdary, Raghu Karumanchi, Brahmaji and others.

Technical Team:

Written & Directed by: Hemal Thummapudi

Producers: Sriram Thummapudi, Hemal Thummapudi

Co-Producer: C.R. Chakravarthy

Cinematography: Sanjeet Singh

Editor: Prabhat Reddy Banda

Music: Shekar Chandra

Executive Producer: Bobby Reddy

Production Executive: Akkineni Srinivasa Rao

PRO: Dinesh Koya