Basavaraju Laharidhar, a newcomer to the film industry, is gearing up for the release of his debut production, Drinker Sai. The film releases on December 27.
In this interview, he discusses the film's journey, the cast, the creative process, and his expectations for its success. The film's enjoyable songs foretell a musical hit. The hero's characterization is another major factor.
Q: How did the journey of Drinker Sai begin?
We have no prior experience in the film industry. My father, Basavaraju Srinivas, had a longstanding acquaintance with Megastar Chiranjeevi garu. When we were preparing for Drinker Sai, we shared the story with him. He was very encouraging and gave us his blessings. With his support, we embarked on this film journey. He even appreciated the movie and suggested that we show him the songs.
Q: Who are the key people behind Drinker Sai?
Director Kiran, previously associated with Maruthi garu, is making his directorial debut with this film. He has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to this project. Dharma, who trained under Satyanand garu, perfectly embodies the character of Drinker Sai. Aishwarya Sharma, selected after an impressive audition, effectively portrays the character of Baghi.
Q: What are your thoughts on the film's release strategy and marketing?
We believe we have chosen a strategic release date with minimal competition. We have secured good theater bookings and are handling the release ourselves in the Nizam region. The first half will appeal to youth, while the second half will resonate with families. We've incorporated youthful elements in our promotions to attract audiences. This love story also carries a strong and meaningful message.
Q: What are the key highlights of Drinker Sai?
We aimed for a grand production. Sree Vasanth's music has been well-received, and the songs are already hits. We collaborated with music director Hesham Abdul Wahab and featured songs by top singers. Additionally, Oscar-winning lyricist Chandrabose wrote a song for the film, which is another major highlight.
Q: What are your expectations for the film's success in the current market?
The theatrical and OTT business for small films is currently challenging. However, we are confident in our film's content and hopeful for its success. Right now, our focus is solely on Drinker Sai, and once it's released, we will begin preparations for our next projects.
