Ravi Teja’s Mass Jathara, directed by debutant Bhanu Bogavarapu, will open with paid premiere shows on October 31st, followed by full-fledged release on November 1st. Sreeleela plays the female lead, and the promotional material released so far has impressed the audience. Produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the movie features Naveen Chandra as the antagonist. Ahead of the release, the director interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.
Tell us how the film will be. Will there be any special elements?
Mass Jathara is a solid entertainer laced with a unique point. The story is set against the Railway Police backdrop. Hence, the crime part and scenes will offer a new experience. Ravi Teja sir suggested the title since the movie contains all the commercial elements. After the title, my responsibility has increased further, and I added a few more mass moments. There are some surprises in store for the audience.
Was there any inspiration behind the story?
No, it is a fictional story, but I have conducted a lot of research. I have met a few Railway Police Officers and learned about their experiences, duties, and limitations. Based on that information, I wrote the script.
Could you tell us about Naveen Chandra’s role?
Naveen Chandra gaaru plays the antagonist named Shivudu. Initially, we considered a few other actors, but we weren’t satisfied. That’s when we met Naveen Chandra gaaru and narrated him the script. He liked it instantly and came on board. He is a great actor, and there’s no doubt about it. But we wanted to know how he looks in the Shivudu role, and hence we conducted a photoshoot. Everyone liked the look, and Naveen Chandra gaaru did a fabulous job. After the release, everyone will talk about his role.
How did you design the female lead’s character?
Everyone in the team was particular about having Sreeleela for the Tulasi role. The female lead is very significant to the story. You will see a new Sreeleela with Mass Jathara. Just like how Gang Leader features fun-filled moments between Chiranjeevi gaaru and Vijayashanthi gaaru in a massy way, Mass Jathara’s romantic portions will be in a similar style.
You mostly penned comedy stories, but you are now making your directorial debut with a mass film. Why is it so?
Mass Jathara also has a good dosage of entertainment. Also, the movie is high on action. Initially, I wanted to make my directorial debut with a rom-com entertainer like Samajavaragamana. But many asked me for a mass story, and that’s how Mass Jathara happened. Ravi Teja gaaru comes to our mind when we hear the word mass. I penned the script keeping him in mind. Since he already did a few cop films, I picked the Railway Police backdrop.
Tell us about the producer and your upcoming projects.
Though this is my first film, Naga Vamsi gaaru supported and encouraged me immensely. He didn’t compromise on the budget and spent Rs. 6.5 crores for the railway station set. Also, he took extreme care for the jathara episode. Lending such support to a new director is a great thing. Coming to my upcoming projects, I am working as a writer for a few films. Also, I am preparing a new script for my second film. I will reveal the details soon.