Producer S Naga Vamsi and his Sithara Entertainments were on Monday in for a surprise when their 2019 film 'Jersey' won two National Awards. On Tuesday, the young producer interacted with the media to share his joy. He also fielded questions on his big-ticket film with the Pawan Kalyan-Rana Daggubati movie. Vamsi also gave an update about Jr NTR's movie with Trivikram Srinivas. He also revealed his line-up of films as a producer.

Congratulations on 'Jersey' winning two National Film Awards. What is your feeling like?

I did expect awards for 'Jersey'. Due to the pandemic, the National Film Awards were not announced last year. I am both surprised and joyous now. For Sithara Entertainments, this coveted recognition is a first. Nani worked so hard on the movie. I must also say that director Gowtam Tinnanuri gave the best shot and the results are there to see.

What made you want to produce an emotional film like 'Jersey'?

I love cricket a lot. Moreover, the script of 'Jersey' was superb, as it blended both cricket and human emotions. When Gowtam told me he wanted to do the film with Nani, I was skeptical as to whether he would be ready to play dad to a 7-year-old kid.

My Babai (producer S Radhakrishna aka China Babu) always asks me to make films that don't embarrass the audience. 'Jersey' may not have done up to the mark in Rayalaseema and Guntur, but it did so well in the rest of the territories. The arrival of 'Avengers: Endgame' affected the collections a bit from the second half. But, overall, 'Jersey' did very well.

I was expecting Best Actor Award for Nani and Best Director Award for Gowtam Tinnanuri.

What do you have to say about 'Maharshi' winning two National Awards?

I am very happy. 'Maharshi' had a unique concept. Mahesh Babu garu's character conveyed what needs to be done to eradicate farmers suicides. I congratulate Vamshi Paidipally garu on this occasion.

What kind of role do you play in Haarika & Hassine Creations, which is a sister banner of Sithara Entertainments?

Although they are two different banners, they are separate only nominally. As far as I am concerned, they both are one and the same. I get involved more with Haarika & Hassine Creations, a banned named after my two sisters. It was Trivikram garu who christened the banner by the name. I usually suggest a script to Babai if I like it. If he too likes it, he produces it.

You come from a software background. Does film production give you joy?

It's my Babai who asked me to leave the software industry and do films. I have been a movie buff since my childhood. I like Dil Raju garu a lot. He has made it big in the industry despite having no background.

Tell us about 'Rang De', which will hit the screens on March 26.

'Rang De' is a youthful family entertainer. It's about a 24-year-old Engineering graduate. There is a place for a lot of human emotions in the story. The first half is full of entertainment. The second half is where the story presents a lot of lovable incidents. As per the story, the film was to be partly shot in Italy. But, due to Covid-19, we had to choose Dubai.

The Pawan Kalyan-Rana Daggubati movie is on the floor. How is it progressing?

The story is about egos between two individuals. Although it's a remake, the characterizations will be like they are in an original movie. We roped in Saagar K Chandra because we trust his directorial skills. With Pawan Kalyan garu and Rana coming in, the project became huge. That's why we roped in Trivikram Srinivas garu for dialogues and screenplay.

While we are yet to enlist an actress for Pawan Kalyan garu, Aishwarya Rajesh will be paired up with Rana.

What are the other upcoming movies in your banner?

'Varudu Kavalenu' with Naga Shaurya, 'Butta Bomma' (Telugu remake of 'Kappela'), 'Narudi Brathuku Natana' are three of the upcoming movies. Bellamkonda Ganesh Babu (Suresh's son) will be introduced under our banner.

As for NTR30, it will be launched in April or May. Trivikram garu will direct it. Other names are yet to be finalized.