Ahead of the release of 'Sammohanam' on June 15, Sivalenka Krishna Prasad in this interview says that the film is a family entertainer. Catch him talk about interesting stuff relating to the project.

How did the film project fall into place?

It was in 2016 that Mohankrishna Indraganti made 'Gentleman' for our banner. Two years later, we are ready with the release of 'Sammohanam'. It was last year that Indraganti came to me with the complete dialogue version of this film. He had written it in a book form. That's how our journey started. In the past, I would be reluctant to repeat my director. But with Indraganti, it's an exception.

The character Sameera, a film actress played by Aditi Rao Hydari, is crucial for the film. Why did you go in for her?

When we were brainstorming as to who should play the female lead, the director suggested Aditi's name. I then watched Mani Ratnam's 'Cheliyaa'. We felt that she would be the best one for the role. As soon as she was done listening to the narration, Aditi said that 'Sammohanam' would be a great debut for her in Telugu.

So, even Sudheer Babu came in later? Does Naresh have a key role?

Yes. It was after she came on board that we met Sudheer Babu. Naresh garu was finalized to play father to the hero later. We have seen him in a number of comic roles. And as a father, he has put up a very nice performance. He has already said that this is the most memorable role so far in his second innings.

What kind of a movie can we expect 'Sammohanam' to be? Is it true that the budget got overshot?

'Sammohanam' is a feel-good love story that you can watch with your family and laugh heartily. Indraganti made it a point to portray the emotions in a heart-touching manner. As for the budget, the director had told me the budget might go up than what was planned. No matter which film I have made, I never compromised on the quality of making. The songs (by Vivek Sagar) have come out really well.

The premise of a film actress loving an ordinary guy has a sense of deja vu. Isn't it? Is it inspired by any film?

Even in real life, we have seen a number of examples of a film actress falling in love with an ordinary guy. 'Siva Ranjani', 'Rangeela' and 'Seethamalakshmi' have been made with such an element. 'Sammohanam' is the story of an ordinary middle-class man who is an illustrator. He looks down upon film people. Such a guy falls in love with an actress. There is no room for any controversy in the film. Indraganti has made it non-controversially.

Can we expect you to make more and more films in future?

I have got to work with great directors. I would never plan things in the past. But these days, I am planning things. Just wait and watch what kind of movies I am going to produce in the coming years. I am not in a hurry to do any or every movie. The audience shouldn't curse my movies.

We heard that you were supposed to do a film with Nandamuri Balakrishna. When is it happening?

Balakrishna garu will be ready to do a film with me anytime. But the right script and director have to fall into place. When they happen, I will surely work with him. I have no plans as to what next. Two stories are ready, though.