Director JB Murali Krishna (Manu) awaits the release of 'Jamba Lakidi Pamba' on June 22. In this interview, catch him talk about his backdrop, the film's challenging aspect, daring to choose a title like 'JLP' and more.

Tell us about your background and how this film happened?

My father is a Malayali and my mother is a Telugu. I was born and brought up in Vijayanagaram. That's why I know Telugu well. Coming to my first movie, I happened to narrate the script of 'Jamba Lakidi Pamba' to about 116 people. Although they all liked it, since the concept of souls getting exchanged between two individuals is challenging, nobody could kickstart the project. Suresh garu, the film's co-producer, was the first one to be ready to invest a part of what was needed. We later met Ravi garu and Jo Jo garu, both of whom have also co-produced the film.

What prior experienced did you have before this movie?

I had worked as a supporting writer under Vikram Kumar garu for the movie 'Manam'. I also worked on the Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam versions of 'Drushyam'.

Why the title? What can we expect from the characters of the lead pair?

The film revolves around the concept of souls exchanging themselves between two individuals. I was keen on 'Kudi Yedamaithe' as the title. But many people suggested that I go for 'Jamba Lakidi Pamba'. They felt that such a title will give our film a mileage. But there has been this apprehension that the audience might compare this film with the old one. That (the EVV Satyanarayana-Rajendra Prasad movie) was a benchmark one. I won't say our film is as great as that one. But I would say that our film will live up to that film's title.

We took Naresh garu's permission before using the title. He told us the title was borrowed by EVV garu from Relanga garu, who had kept the name for an inner circle of friends of his. Naresh garu had tried to do a film with the title, but he couldn't dare touch it, he told us!

Is it a family entertainer?

This is a family drama. When I wrote the story, I wrote it in such a way that it reflects the thinking of today's youngsters and the young families. I readied a bounded script and when Srinivas Reddy garu became the hero, I made suitable changes to suit his comedy style. I felt only he can do full justice to the role. It's not an easy thing to act feminine.

Tell us about your experience of working with Siddhi Idnani.

She comes from a theatre background. As soon as we were done with auditioning her, I was sure that she is in. The way she has learned Telugu and emoted in the film is typical of a theatre artist. We auditioned 36 aspirants in total for the role.

Your first movie as director, 'Right Right', was a disaster. Didn't it affect your prospects?

I did 'Right Right' because MS Raju, whom I respect a lot, gave me the offer. It was a remake of a Malayalam movie, which had done well there. But the Telugu audience couldn't connect with it. Although my first movie was a flop, I got the opportunity to do 'JLP'.

As of now, 'JLP' is my present and future. I have five bounded scripts ready. Two-three opportunities are there. Let me see!