Venkatesh's Saindhav directed by Sailesh Kolanu of HIT fame is releasing on 13 Jan 2024. Saindhav producer Venkat Boyanapally spoke to scribes and spoke about theatre problems and also Ravi Teja made a surprising decision to pull off his film Eagle from the Sankranti Race.

The challenging situation for Saindhav

Navigating the release for 'Saindhav' this Sankranthi is undeniably challenging. Challenges are a part and parcel of the filmmaking journey, as I've experienced with 'Shyam Singha Roy' as well. It's overcoming these hurdles that truly strengthens you. As for the exact number of screens 'Saindhav' will be featured on, it's challenging to specify the final count at this juncture. However, I can assure you that we are in a comfortable position. That's the extent of information I can share at this moment.

How did Saindhav materialise

Venkatesh holds a special place as my favorite hero. It was during the shooting of Shyam Singha Roy with Nani that we came across the trailer of Shailesh Kolanu's 'Hit' and were thoroughly impressed. Having a prior acquaintance with Shailesh, we felt it would be a great idea to collaborate on a film with Venkatesh. Shailesh had a meeting with Venkatesh, and it was evident that their creative wavelengths resonated well. Venkatesh was highly impressed with Shailesh's storytelling, and surprisingly, the project came together seamlessly within 24 hours. It's truly a stroke of luck for me to be a part of Venkatesh's 75th film.

Are you aware that Saindhav was Venkatesh's 75th?

Working with Venkatesh has been a wish of mine, and when Director Shailesh approached him solo and successfully secured his agreement, credit goes entirely to Shailesh in this regard. While it's widely known that this project marks Venkatesh's 75th film, there was uncertainty regarding his approval. We put in our best effort, and I conveyed the same sentiment to Venkatesh. His response was simply, 'It's all destiny.'

Did Saindhav's budget increase with the cast like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arya, Andrea.Jeremiah etc

The narrative of this film is vast and significant. When considering the storyline, it becomes apparent that this is an ambitious and high-budget production. We have meticulously crafted it on a grand scale, aligning with the magnitude and richness of the narrative.

Saindhav is an action entetainer. How do you think this will fit Sankranti race where family entertainers rule

The emotional depth of 'Saindhav' is profoundly moving, evoking tears from the audience. Exiting the movie, viewers are likely to carry the resonance of these emotions, visibly touched with tears of genuine sentiment. 'Saindhav' stands out as a compelling family film, blending traditional values with contemporary action elements for a new-age cinematic experience.

Venkatesh surprised all by taking special care and promoting this film in colleges

Venkatesh exudes a delightful sense of humor, and I am thrilled with the content of the movie. His natural liveliness adds a vibrant energy to the project. The promotional events were carried out with immense enjoyment, capturing the essence of the film's spirit.

What is your reaction on Ravi Teja's decision to postpone Eagle?

I am delighted that Ravi Teja garu graciously agreed to create space for 'Saindhav' by postponing 'Eagle' during the Sankranthi season. His generosity truly reflects his large-hearted nature. It's important to note that while some screens freed up by this adjustment will benefit 'Saindhav,' they won't exclusively go to our film. Other Sankranthi titles will also have the opportunity to secure their share of screens.

What about distributors for Saindhav

The distributors who handled the distribution of 'Shyam Singha Roy' are also overseeing the distribution of 'Saindhav.' I haven't personally approached Suresh Distributions to seek the allocation of theaters within their territories. Dil Raju garu is taking charge of releasing our movie in Nizam and Vizag. I have entrusted 'Saindhav' to distributors known for their strength and capability in handling such responsibilities.

Is Saindhav releasing in other languages also

We are opting for a simultaneous release of 'Saindhav' in both Telugu and Tamil languages, with plans for a Hindi release to be strategized at a later stage. Our primary focus for the movie's marketing campaign has been on the Telugu audience. The casting, however, is language-neutral, ensuring a broader appeal. In the context of pan-Indian films, we have observed that allocating around Rs 5 Cr for publicity is a common practice, but it's not always the most prudent approach. The dynamics of film promotion have evolved over the past 2-3 years, prompting a more strategic and cost-effective approach to ensure maximum impact.

Are you planning a multi starrrer with Venkatesh and Nani

Working with Venkatesh garu and Nani has always been a desire of mine. Although I haven't been able to bring them together in a project, I've had the privilege of collaborating with each of them individually. The opportunity to work with them separately has been truly fulfilling.

Director Sailesh Kolanu's distinctive style caught my attention with the release of 'HIT.' Recognizing the potential synergy, I arranged for a meeting between the director and the two esteemed artists. Sailesh Kolanu's narrative prowess left a lasting impression on Venkatesh garu, who, within a remarkably swift 24 hours, made the decision to collaborate with Kolanu. Such decisiveness is truly commendable!

What about Saindhav budget and OTT rights

'Saindhav' was conceived as a high-budget production right from the start, and managing the budget has not posed any concerns. Interestingly, both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video expressed keen interest in acquiring the rights for the post-theatrical digital release of our film. The appeal of 'Saindhav' for OTT platforms has been consistent since its inceptionon. Ultimately, we decided to sell the rights to Amazon Prime, concluding what was a competitive and sought-after deal.

Whose idea was to celebrate Venkatesh 75?

The concept of the ceremony is credited to Rana. When we commenced work on the movie, there was a desire to create something special. Rana was the one who proposed the idea for the ceremony, and we embraced it wholeheartedly. So, the credit for this unique concept truly belongs to Rana.

What about your next projects

Every producer has a distinct style, and I personally lean towards collaborating with my favorite individuals in the industry. Planning and setting up projects can be a complex process, and my next film may not see the light of day until the following year. It's crucial for all the elements, including the hero, director, and producer, to align harmoniously. Unlike some producers who frequently offer advances to directors and actors, I am selective in my choices.

Being a producer requires a deep understanding of the evolving dynamics of the market. Staying attuned to these changing realities is essential for thriving in the industry. For instance, last year witnessed a shift in the OTT landscape, leading to a weakening of OTT deals. Adapting to these changes is vital for sustained success in the industry.