The highly acclaimed Kannada movie Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A is releasing in Telugu as Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati – Side A on September 22, 2023, in theaters. On this occasion, we met with actor Rakshit Shetty for an interview. Here is the transcript.
Tell us about Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati
It’s a beautifully shot film with a poetic style. Originally conceived by Hemanth a decade ago, he’s made substantial improvements while drawing inspiration from the real world while maintaining the story’s originality.
What led to the film’s release in Telugu?
I’ve known Divya from People Media Factory for a long time. After the appreciation for the Kannada version, we decided to collaborate for the Telugu release. She believed this kind of story should reach Telugu audiences, and the film is now set to release.
Working experience with Hemanth M Rao
After the success of 777 Charlie, I decided to do a love story. Hemanth approached me with a script he had held for 12 years. I instantly connected with the concept and his unique style, leading to our collaboration after Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu.
Whose idea was it to make the film in two parts?
The script’s natural flow influenced Hemanth to make the decision. The poetic nature emerged during shooting, resulting in two parts – the first embodying Indian classical poetry and the second adopting a rock band poetry style, reflecting the evolving emotions between Manu and Priya.
Tell us the story behind the title
The title, derived from a Kannada poem, roughly means ‘somewhere beyond seven seas.’ It symbolises the idea that even if we don’t physically reach a place, the concept of being there can be deeply personal and meaningful in love, family, and life goals.
Tell us about the film’s music
Hemanth used reference music for each scene while writing the script. He even played music during narration, enhancing the scene impact. We collaborated closely on scene treatment and sound effects integration.
View of Telugu Films in Karnataka
Telugu films are highly appreciated in Karnataka, with many families having a tradition of watching them. My experiences with Telugu films like Vedam made me realise their broader appeal.
Future Projects
I have Richard Anthony, a classy gangster story, and an OTT film based on After Life in the works. Also, Punya Koti is a two-part project. As an actor, I’m open to a straight Telugu film, but I need a deeper understanding of the language for filmmaking. I will let you know if I sign any project in Telugu.