Koneru Satyanarayana of the KL University is an acclaimed personality in the field of education. As someone with 40 years of experience in the academic field, he is now looking forward to the release of 'Rakshasudu', starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead. In this interview, he talks about what approach he followed as a producer, why we should watch the movie, his dream of starting an Entertainment University and more.

That's why the remake

'Rakshasudu' is officially my first film as a producer. Years ago, I partnered in the production of a film of my son, Havish. When 'Ratsasan' (the Tamil original) released, I went to Chennai and watched the movie with the intention of seeing whether it would suit Havish. I was excited watching the movie. Since Havish had already got busy with some other project, he wasn't cast as the hero. We acquired the remake rights despite competition from others.

Choosing the lead pair

Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas was cast because we felt he suits the best. We wanted to cast a Raashi Khanna or some other big name. But we later changed our mind and went in for the one who would most suit the role. That's we zeroed in on Anupama Parameswaran.

A faithful, technically-rich remake

The film's production values are uncompromising. The latest red camera has been used for cinematography. Be it the music or any other technical department, everything shaped up well. It was a 100-day schedule. We did reshoot a few moments for three days to ensure the best output. Director Ramesh Varma was asked not to tinker with the script of the original. Making the remake as it is was not easy at all. The film doesn't have any nativity issues. Everyone can relate to the incidents shown in the story. It carries a relevant message and talks about pertinent issues faced by school-going children, especially girls.

Ramesh Varma, a talented director

The title doesn't say anything about the hero. It suits the story. You will understand the rationale behind the title once you watch the movie. Ramesh Varma has made 'Ride' in the past. He maintained tempo in that movie. That's why he has been chosen for 'Rakshasudu'.

A controlled procedure

I acted as a professional producer throughout. The pre-production, production and post-production works were carried out in a controlled manner. I would be given a daily report at the end of every day. There is a technically-challenging fight in the movie and its shoot took six days longer than expected. The budget too shot up by 10 percent because of this. It's negligible and happens with every film.

We have closed the entire business. Satellite rights have been bought by Gemini TV. Abhishek Pictures owns the theatrical rights.

Being systematic

Two or three films are in the pipeline. I will be producing a movie with Havish as the hero. I have been a systemic educator. I want to bring that discipline to my film productions as well. There are 26-27 associations related to the 24 crafts. Payments were made promptly during the making of 'Rakashsudu' to all the associations through RTGS. All the transactions were done through cheques, PayTM, net banking, etc. Everyone is so happy that we were so systematic.

Pre-production is the crux

Because I got involved in the making of the film at so many levels, I have learned a lot because of 'Rakshasudu'. Production works are not the main issue. Once you get the pre-production right, the rest of it will take care of itself. In our industry, pre-production is not done systematically and properly. Post-production would be easy if we plan everything during the pre-production phase itself. Publicity plays a crucial role. Many producers are failing here. Distribution is the only aspect I don't understand much. Abhishek Pictures is taking care of it and is going in for a big release.

Dreams of launching a University

I am planning to start an Entertainment University. This will be the first of its kind in India. It would not be a typical film institute. There was a time when basic needs were a huge issue in India. Today, they have been fulfilled. People look for entertainment. Arts and different crafts were associated with entertainment. Hobby clubs are a part of it. Students have to relax, people need recreation. Writing, photography, swimming, painting - children have so many interests. We should provide avenues for children to explore them. That's my visualization of the Entertainment University. Hyderabad is the right place for this. Courses like Bachelor of Fine Arts and beyond will be started. Animations, graphics, filmmaking - there are so many areas which can be introduced in the University.