Mahendranath Kondla: Sabari is an edge-of-the-seat thriller
- IndiaGlitz, [Sunday,April 21 2024]
Get ready for a cinematic treat as Sabari, starring the versatile Kollywood actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, gears up for a grand release on 3 May 2024. This ambitious project, helmed by director Anil Katz, will hit screens in Hindi and all four South Indian languages, promising a truly pan-Indian experience. On the eve of the release, producer Mahendranath Kondla engaged with the media, offering exciting insights into the film and its journey.
Tell us about your origins
I was born in Guntur and later moved to the USA, where I own consultancy firms and other businesses. My journey into filmmaking is driven by a long-standing aspiration
Secret behind Sabari inception
The film came to fruition primarily due to Varalaxmi Sarathkumar garu's involvement. After the director presented the script to me and I found it appealing, we approached Varalaxmi garu, who immediately embraced the project. She has been a pillar of strength for our film since its inception.
Experience of Varalakshmi Sarathkumar's commitment
It was truly a remarkable experience. Varalaxmi is not only a talented artist but also a compassionate human being. She consistently prioritized the film's interests and never compromised on the budget. In fact, she played a pivotal role in ensuring that we stayed within budget.
Could you share any shooting experience with Varalakshmi Sarathkumar
We have scheduled Kodaikanal. We planned a schedule of 15 days with a hundred people. On the second day, we planned to shoot a scene in the rain. Co-director Vamsi said that Varalakshmi said that she would not do the rain scene that day. I was aghast. He came again after half an hour and shared that Varalakshmi told himThis schedule was planned with a hundred people. What is the producer's loss if I get sick on the second day of doing this scene? What will he become? Have you thought? Put this scene on the last day. I will do it,
What is Sabari all about
Sabari revolves around a powerful mother-daughter relationship, a theme that resonated deeply with me. I firmly believed in the story's potential to connect with audiences across all demographics. Our goal was to produce a film that would resonate with viewers on a profound level.
Tell us more about Sabari stunt sequences
The action sequences in 'Sabari' are intricately woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Audiences can expect a seamless blend of action and storytelling that will keep them engaged throughout.
Share your experience on debut with pan India project
Embarking on a pan-Indian project was initially daunting. However, I embraced the challenge with a bold, risk-taking attitude. We approached 'Sabari' with the utmost sincerity, aiming to create a film that would appeal to a diverse audience.
On the challenges of being a first time producer
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with film production, I am incredibly proud of our debut film. The journey was arduous, but with the unwavering support of our cast and crew, we overcame every obstacle.
What about the budget of Sabari
Indeed, the final budget of 'Sabari' far exceeded our initial projections. However, I firmly believe in delivering the best possible experience to our audience, and that necessitated certain financial considerations.
Tell us about your future projects
I have exciting projects lined up, including collaborations with Varun Sandesh and Bigg Boss Amar Deep. Our upcoming film with Amar Deep will feature Surekha Vani's daughter, Supritha, in the lead role.
Do you have any dreams of becoming an actor or director?
While I am open to making cameo appearances if the opportunity arises, my focus remains on producing meaningful and impactful films. My journey as a producer has just begun, and I am eager to explore new avenues and stories.