When Anand was released a couple of years back, there was not much talk in the first few days. But the film's quiet dignity, its understated sunny optimism and above all, it sensibility touched a favorable chord among the public. And quickly Shekar Kammula was taken as a director of skills and style.
So when that Shekar Kammula is now ready with Godavari, a movie that he has poetically and painstakingly made in the backdrop of monsoon areas, the expectation is naturally high.
Godavari starring Sumanth and Shekar's own find Kamalini, is a sensitive story about life and the emotions thereof.
Shekhar Kammula says Godavari is a modern romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the eponymous river.
The director is naturally reluctant to be part with the specific details of the script. 'It will be interesting,' he says tersely.
Sumanth, who is now slowly coming into his own as an actor, okayed the film after reading the bound script.
Shekar says Kamalini will get a new perspective in this movie. "It is a character different from that of Anand".
Sumanth plays the role of a do-gooder without any expectation or motives behind his action. 'This film is about the heroes among us,' says the director.
Sumanth himself says this is the first story in which his character is close to reality.
Kamalini says my character will stand out for honesty, goodness and integrity. 'There is happy feel and freshness in this film just like Anand. The additional ingredient in this film is going to be romance.'
Many credit Radhakrishna's soft, hummable music for Anand's success.
Many feel Radhakrishna has come up with an encore for Godavari.
Producer GVG Raju says he was convinced the moment Shekar narrated him the story.
At a time when films are made out of fixated and fixed formula, to conceive a project that is straight from the heart is in itself a huge plus