P Sunil Kumar Reddy is confident that 'Gulf', set to hit the screens on Oct 13, will be liked by one and all. In this interview, he talks about what the film tries to convey, why it's dear to his heart, his next film, and more.

You have said in the past that 'Gulf' took so much of research to be made. Tell us why it took such heavy-duty research.

If all the films that I have done so far are one thing, 'Gulf' is a separate entity to me. I usually take not more than 6 months' time in researching for a film of mine. But the same for this film took much more time. I have toiled for 2.5 years. This film will always be close to my heart. The subject is also quite complex. That's why it needed so much of efforts.

What made you take up the subject of hardships faced by emigrants to the Gulf?

We have seen many films revolving around the emigration to the US. But we haven't seen films that tell the stories of those who immigrate to the Gulf. Importantly, there is no such film in Telugu cinema. I have chanced upon a sensitive point to make this film.

Does your film convey any workable solution?

From Andhra Pradesh and Telangana put together, many people emigrate to the Gulf in search of livelihood opportunities. And most of them face many travails. Especially women are worse off. They are victims of violence perpetrated against them. The governments should respond pro-actively to curb the menace. But rarely do such things happen. We have made this film to talk about such issues.

This is surprising, especially because our Telugu States receive remittances to the tune of Rs. 30,000 Cr every year from the workers settled there. Many of the workers toiling in the Gulf countries have been there for years. I have learnt many things first hand from my research on them.

Is it a dry subject? Is there a place for commercial elements?

There is a nice love story in the movie. A male coolie from Telangana who goes to the Gulf in search of livelihood and a female from Andhra Pradesh who goes there for work fall in love. Their love blossoms even as they face hardships.

What are your expectations in terms of commercial success?

About 50 lakh Telugus know about the scenario in the Gulf countries. If all of them watch our movie, it will be a big hit. We are releasing the movie in 250-300 theatres in AP and TS.

What is your next movie?

My next film will be 'Romantic Criminals'. It will be a sequel to 'Oka Romantic Crime Katha' and 'Oka Criminal Crime Katha'.