Ahead of the release of 'Bandobast' on September 20, a grand pre-release event was held on Friday night at Hyderabad's ITC Kohenur. The event was graced by the beloved and versatile actor Suriya, who was extremely delighted to receive the love of the fans at the event. Also graced by the film's cast crew, producer D Suresh Babu (who launched the theatrical trailer of the film) and others, it was a nice spectacle.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Babu said, "I wish all the best to Lyca Productions and NV Prasad garu, who is releasing the Telugu version of 'Kaappaan' as 'Bandobast'. Suriya is like family. His father acted in my father's movies. I too want to work with Suriya but I am not sure when it will happen. He is a very good man and his family is lovely. I wish only good for him."

Suriya said, "I thank Lyca Productions' Subaskaran for making 'Bandobast' as a big movie with rich production values and an ensemble cast. I also thank NV Prasad garu for ensuring a grand release in Telugu on Sept 20. I have come to know that Lyca and NV Prasad garu have had a very strong association with each other. I thank Suresh Babu garu and others for being here today. Many have attended the event by securing passes despite it being a working day. The high you people (fans) give is different. KV Anand, who comes from a journalism background, is often inspired by true incidents in making movies. My character is an SPG commando in the movie It has been a new experience doing it. I have learned how much security personnel sacrifice for the sake of national security. They don't pine for recognition. I have met several decorated officers as part of the homework for this movie. And I learned so much from them in a span of a few days.

SPG commandos don't think twice before taking the bullet for the security of VVIPs, they take the bullet as the first in the line of fire. 'Bandobast' tries to show some aspects of their lives. This film is not just a cinematic experience but will transport you to new atmospherics. A lot of elements, such as the Prime Minister's Office, defence, etc have been explored. What happens when someone who is in the know of secrets goes rogue? Why did he turn a rogue? That's the film's crux. There are several stories in the movie. It has been an honour to work with the legendary Mohanlal garu. And Arya, Boman Irani, Sayyeshaa Saigal, Kiran... have been great to work with. Sayyeshaa changes the direction of the story. 'Bandobast' is an all-round entertainer."

NV Prasad said, "It was Subhaskaran garu who released the Tamil version of 'SPYder' in Tamil Nadu and ensured that the film had a maximum market. Lyca Productions ensured a huge release. That way, the potential of a Telugu movie was proved. Lyca has been of immense support to me. I am happy that I am getting to release their prestigious ventures in Telugu. Subaskaran garu has been making ambitious projects out of a passion for cinema, in south India. His banner should continue to grow forever. Top Kollywood technicians and heroes are all associated with this banner. 'Bandobast' will be Suriya's biggest film in his career. When director KV Anand garu scored a blockbuster with 'Rangam' ('Ko') years ago, I hosted a 100 days celebration in Tirupathi. Chiranjeevi garu graced it as the chief guest. I hope that kind of success will be repeated with 'Bandobast'."

Producer BVSN Prasad said, "This huge film should bring success to everyone associated with it, especially NV Prasad garu."

'Jersey' director Gowtam Tinnanuri said, "I feel honoured to have got to meet Suriya garu today. I am a big fan of his acting. I loved him in 'Kaka Kaka', which is one of my most favourite movies. My best wishes to team 'Bandobast'. I hope it will become a blockbuster."

Director KV Anand said, "It was a great feeling to work with Suriya. What makes him special is that he makes everything complete. It's enough if you plan 50 percent. He will make it complete with his performance, acting and dances. Mohanlal garu has played a Prime Minister in the movie. It was a nice experience to work with Arya, Sayyeshaa and others. More than the songs, Harris Jayaraj's background score is superb."

Arya said, "Working with Suriya garu has been a learning experience. He is such a gentleman and lovely person. I hope 'Bandobast' becomes a big hit."

Sayyeshaa Saigal said, "It was always my dream to work with Suriya garu. And I finally got the opportunity to work with him. My character is not limited to songs and dances in the movie but has a specific purpose. KV Anand garu's characters are performance-oriented and heroines get a lot of scope for showing their talent. My character has got several shades in 'Bandobast'. It drives the story. We are all waiting for you all to watch our movie on Sept 20.

Lyricist Vanamali said, "Writing songs for dubbed movies is more difficult that penning straight songs. After Mani Ratnam garu and Shankar garu, the one director who is quite demanding when it comes to songs is KV Anand garu. He is particular about lyrics. I have written songs for a number of dubbed movies since the days of 'Shiva Putrudu'. Working with KV Anand garu is something that I regard special always."

Cinematographer MS Prabhu said, "I am a fan of Suriya garu. We did 'Veedokkade' before. I am happy to watch the excitement of Suriya's fans for 'Bandobast'. Director KV Anand is a good friend of mine. I have known him since childhood. We both got trained under PC Sreeram garu."

Editor Anthony said, "I am the first one to watch 'Bandobast'. The output is really great."

Lyca Production's Executive Producer Sundarajan said, "I convey my thanks to one and all on behalf of Subaskaran garu."

The event was also graced by producers Malkapuram Sivakumar, 'Tagore' Madhu, actors Raj Kumar, Ramdoss, Kiran, Lyca Productions' Executive Producer S Sundarajan , Lyca Productions' Sales & Marketing side's Saran Raj and others.

Cast & crew:

Suriya, Mohanlal, Boman Irani, Arya, Sayyeshaa Saigal, Samuthirakani, Poorna, Nagineedu and others will also be seen in key roles.