Venky Kudumula awaits the release of 'Bheeshma' on February 21 (Friday). Starring Nithiin and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, the film has music by Mahati Swara Sagar. In this interview, he talks about the highlights of the movie, Nithiin's character in it, Trivikram's influence on him, his future commitments and more.

From romance to message

After 'Chalo', I mooted two different storylines. When the opportunity to work with Nithiin garu came, I wanted to do something refreshing with him. I built on the element of an eligible bachelor seeking a woman because he was single in real life. Love is an essential element of any genre. The element of organic farming is serious and the romantic track is lighter in the film. The male lead has nothing to do with farming. How he crosses paths with Anant Nag garu and Jisshu Sengupta makes for an interesting watch.

Chemical farming is dangerous

Thankfully, the right kind of technicians could be roped in for the film. Since I have graduated in agricultural studies, the research part was not difficult. I came across a news item about vegetables being injected with chemicals and weaved that phenomenon into the story. There was a time when vegetables used to be healthy. Not any more. Chemical farming has been carried out indiscriminately in India. Illiterate farmers use pesticides, etc. disproportionately.

Agri background

It's true that agriculture has become a motif in many movies these days. Organic farming is something unique to our movie. My father has been a farmer and has decided to shift to organic farming. Many people ask me what drove me to films when I come from a farming background. I have been a movie buff from childhood.

More confident

I will always be a cautious filmmaker. With 'Chalo', I was not sure about how the audience would react to the scenes in it. With 'Bheeshma', I am much more confident.

Working with the lead pair

Writing the script of 'Bheeshma' took time due to various reasons. Nithiin garu assured me that he will wait for me and I took my sweet time. Rashmika Mandanna didn't know even a bit of Telugu when 'Chalo' happened. She is now a superstar actress. I was not sure whether she will do 'Bheeshma' because by the time I approached her, she was already big! She didn't think twice before saying yes.

Trivikram's influence

It's often said that Trivikram garu's influence on my dialogues is vivid. Since he is a pro at all genres of writing, it's but natural to be influenced by him. I am a fan of his writing and so, I would take it as a compliment.

Not a serious movie

'Bheeshma' is not a serious film. The message around organic farming is not hard-hitting. The trailer of the movie has got a very good response, thanks to the fact that it shows what the film is about. As for my next movie, nothing has been decided as yet. I have two storylines in mind. I am committed to doing a film each for Mythri Movie Makers, UV Creations and another producer.