Sankranthiki Vasthunnam has Venkatesh as an ex-cop who has to take up the assignment of rescuing a hostage from an imbecilic criminal gang. During the scripting stage, a proposal was put forth that Venkatesh must be shown wearing the cop's uniform in the second half. Anil Ravipudi's commonsensical approach here made the difference.
Ravipudi insisted that Venkatesh should look like YD Raju the family man and not as a cop. The scenes involving him, his wife (played by Aishwarya Rajesh), his ex-girlfriend (played by Meenakshi Chaudhary) and others shouldn't give the vibe of a cop on duty but that of a family person who has been pressed into action by circumstances.
This masterstroke of an idea made a lot of difference. Venkatesh's sporting colourful shirts and a lungi added a casual, village aura to his character. Since the film is a mindless comedy, this vibe came along the right way.
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam was released on January 14. Although the entertainer has grossed Rs 276 Cr as per the makers, the actual figure must be around Rs 240 Cr.
