Director Anji K Maniputhra Interview
NTR and Allu Arjun Appreciated after Watching ‘AAY’ Movie: Director Anji K Maniputhra
NTR’s brother-in-law, Narne Nithiin, who captivated the Telugu audience with the film Mad, has recently brought the fun entertainer AAY to the audience. Directed by Anji K. Maniputhra and starring Nayan Sarika as the heroine, the film was produced by Bunny Vas and Vidya Koppineedi and released on August 15, with popular producer Allu Aravind presenting it. Set against the backdrop of the Godavari region, the comedy entertainer has been well-received by audience. The movie generated buzz even before its release and is now performing well at the box office, moving towards a blockbuster status. The director recently interacted with the media as part of the film’s promotion.
How did NTR and Allu Arjun react after watching the movie?
After watching the movie, NTR praised it, saying, It was good. You handled the comedy well and also managed the climax effectively. Allu Arjun also commented positively, noting that although many are not coming to theaters, this film has proven that a good movie can indeed draw audiences. He inquired about when the next film would be made.
What is the reaction of your friends and family?
Our friends are very happy with the film. It continues to do well in our town. My parents, who were not very knowledgeable about movies, now feel that something significant is happening. They called me early today, expressing that after the film’s success, everyone has been praising my work. I was very pleased.
How do you feel about the financial success?
I am thrilled with the financial success. Despite even big movies struggling, people came out to watch this smaller film. The producer is also delighted with the returns.
Are all the events in the movie based on real life?
The film’s appeal lies in its authenticity, as many events depicted are real. Naga Chaitanya also remarked on this. The theaters are buzzing because the characters feel familiar. Some scenes reflect actual experiences of mine, which is why the movie has connected so well with the audience.
How did Narne Nithiin become involved in the movie?
I had approached several heroes with the previous story, but due to various reasons, Nithiin ended up being the perfect fit. He is integral to the film’s success, and his performance was outstanding. I can’t forget his contribution. His approach to listening to the story was also very commendable.
How did Ankith and Kasireddy join the movie?
Kasireddy’s involvement was a collective decision, but Ankith was my personal choice. I knew he would perform well. Although Bunny Vas garu had some doubts before shooting, he was very pleased after seeing rushes and Ankit’s performance impressed him.
Tell us about the other characters as well.
The heroine performed exceptionally well. She understands Telugu but does not speak it. Despite not knowing Hindi, she communicated effectively. When I saw Vinod, I sent a photo to Vasu, who agreed that it was a good choice.
Touched on the sensitive topic of caste. Were you concerned?
No, I wasn’t. Although it’s a sensitive topic, it is handled with comedy, so it isn’t problematic.
Everyone recognizes your strength in comedy. What genre do you think you should tackle next?
I don’t have a specific genre in mind. I have two stories, and whichever one fits will be considered. The next movie won’t happen immediately; it should be well thought out first. While I enjoy entertainment and my stories are light-hearted, I will still choose content-driven stories.
Has it become difficult to make comedy films lately?
I believe in situational comedy more than dialogue-driven humor. This approach worked well for my film. Writing the story was relatively quick for me because it reflects the world I’ve experienced. More complex stories might take longer to develop.
What about the title—did it change before and after?
Initially, we considered the title Ramalayam Veedi Kalisettu. I suggested the title, but Allu Aravind felt the length was an issue. However, the title AAY was ultimately approved.
Will deleted scenes be included in the OTT release?
No, there’s a new rule that requires the runtime to be the same on OTT as in theaters. Since OTT platforms don’t have ads, Bunny Vas suggested releasing some scenes separately.
Did you face any weather problems during shooting?
Yes, weather conditions were challenging. Despite rain in the film, we faced sunny intervals during shooting, which delayed the process and increased the budget. We had to manage the set’s environment meticulously, dealing with sun and rain, which caused difficulties.
The budget reportedly increased. Did the movie’s success cover the costs and make a profit?
I’m not well-versed in financial matters; you would need to ask Bunny Vas about that.
As a small film among big releases, how do you feel about its success?
I’m very happy as a debutante. I mentioned at the pre-release event that Jathi Ratnalu was my inspiration to become a director. I hope my film can inspire others in the same way. That would make me very happy.
Did the release date work out well for you?
I had doubts initially because I was new and questioned why my film was scheduled among other big releases. However, Allu Aravind’s experience and faith in the film determined the date. He believes the long weekend will benefit the film’s collections.
Was there any connection with Gam Gam Ganesha when you cast Nayan Sarika?
By that time, her film was committed, but it had not been released yet.
How did you feel working with a hero and a big banner?
Despite working with a big banner, I felt no stress during shooting. The co-director and executive producer were aware of the increased budget and delays, but I never voiced any concerns. Bunny Vasu provided great support, emphasizing that this first film should be impactful.
Did the climax you wrote reflect a real-life experience?
I haven’t experienced it personally, but I wrote it with the intention that it would work well. Bunny Vas garu found it resonant and even attended a similar event, which connected well with the story.
AAY became hit. Will you be given a chance for the next project?
The success of the movie isn’t entirely in our hands. It depends on whether people like the stories we tell.
