National Award winning film Na Bangaru Talli, is up for a release tomorrow. We caught up with the award winning director Rajesh Touchriver for an exclusive interview. Let’s see what he has to say.
Now that the film is finally releasing, how do you feel ?
I am very eager to find out how the normal audience would react to our realistic film.
How tough was it to release this film ?
It was very tough to find a buyer. All the distributors who saw the film liked it immensely but did not come forward to buy it. That is when we decided to go for the crowd funding.
Whose idea was it ?
It was Amala Akkineni’s suggestion to crowd fund the film. When my wife took our film to her, she suggested different ideas to release this film.
What kind of funds did you collect from the public ?
All those who saw the film donated to their best of capabilities. One after the other the word spread and then Reliance got into the picture and funded the film completely.
How did you get Chiranjeevi to promote your film ?
I have worked in the art direction department for many Chiranjeevi films. I know him personally and had requested him to come for the audio launch. Initially he was reluctant, but after watching the film he was hugely impressed and decided to promote it.
Tell us about Anjali Patil’s performance ?
I found her through Face book and decided to rope her after knowing that she was from the National school of drama. She has given a wonderful performance, and is the only actress from Telugu industry who has won a National award in the last 25 years.
How difficult was it to shoot the film with such low budget ?
I tried to be realistic most of the times. Re-creating the pain and agony that the girl goes through in the brothel house was very tough for us. We did our best to shoot the film in the limited budget we had.
Now that many stars are promoting the film. How do you feel ?
A number of top actresses have come in to support the film. Stars like Samantha and Lavanya have promised us to promote the film at any given point of time.
What kind of release have you planned ?
Our film is releasing in nearly 100 screens in both Malayalam and Telugu. All the multiplexes will be showcasing this film with English subtitles.
Finally, sum up this film for us ?
It is a female oriented film made for the male audience.
Interviewed by Avad M