In 'Bubblegum', the male lead plays an aspiring musician who follows his passion. Already torn between the demands of his middle-class parents and his big dreams, he falls in love with an affluent woman, making his journey harder.
In this interview, director Ravikanth Perepu of 'Kshanam' fame says that he was just 25 when his debut movie hit the cinemas. Since his debut in 2016, he has come a long way in terms of the learning curve. Catch him talk about the December 29th release in this interview.
Unfortunately, 'Krishna And His Leela' had to be released on OTT due to the pandemic. 'Bubblegum' went on the floors in July this year. In a way, it has been quick. I zeroed in on Roshan Kanakala (son of Suma and Rajeev Kanakala) much after I wrote the script. I wanted to cast a newcomer for the role.
I wouldn't mind any rating by the CBFC (even 'A' rating) because what the male lead does as a 22-year-old is raw and authentic in my film, which is primarily a love story, a relationship drama with intimate scenes. Twenty-two years is when most youngsters come in touch with the real world away from the protective gaze of their elders. What happens when such a youngster falls in love? A story in this space needed newcomers as the lead pair.
Our movie may be coming out in theatres just a week after the release of 'Salaar', but it features elements that are not there in 'Salaar' (laughs). We will plan paid premiers on December 28 after Censor formalities are completed. Ever since the trailer was out, the buzz has only spiked.
The hero doesn't have anger issues the way Arjun Reddy had in 'Arjun Reddy'. Not everyone who is angry can be equated with Arjun Reddy. I can't reveal the central conflict. Respect aka Izzat has to be earned, not snatched from others. Maanasa Chaudhary is a Telugu girl who grew up in Chennai. Since she knows the language, she could understand the subtext and deliver a performance rooted in nativity.
The new talents have done a stellar job. I molded the dialogue on set depending on the body language, diction and abilities of my actors. We worked in an environment of mutual trust.
I have been associated with Sricharan Pakala since 'Kshanam'. There is a soulful melody, a hip-hop and three other songs that are going to excite the audience.
Maheshwari Movies gave me everything possible. The producer invested whatever was needed only because he believed in me, Roshan and the subject. People Media Factory is backing our movie. Meeting Chiranjeevi garu as part of promotions was a fanboy moment for me.
Many believed that 'Kshanam' was completely the innovation of Adivi Sesh, its writer and hero. Unfortunately, such an impression has gained legitimacy and wrongly so. Owing to this, my career hasn't progressed as well as I would have hoped for.
I have been an Editor as well. Most recently, I edited 'Month Of Madhu'. Before that, I edited movies like 'Bhanumathi Ramakrishna'.
