Pavan Sadineni of Prema Ishq Kaadhal fame has written a family entertainer after debuting with a coming-of-age rom-com. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the talented director fields questions related to the choice of the title, casting Nanditha Raj, the characterizations of Rishi and Savitri, the emotional connect that girls will establish with Savitri, and more.

Savitri sounds like a female-centric title. Why did you choose the title?

This is not a woman-centric film, but a family entertainer. We liked the title because Saivtri has Telugu-ness in it. The film also comes with a Telugu flavour. Savitri`s character is as important as Rishi`s character. It`s basically their love story.

How is Rishi`s characterization?

He is a cool, confident guy. Although he is a doctor, he comes across as a regular guy. At one point, he says to the heroine, Naaku kallanu maya cheyadam ishtam, anduke ila tirugutuntanu; Manushulni bagu cheyadam ishtam, anduke medicine chesanu. The line defines his character. That`s Rishi for you.

How is this film different from Nara Rohit`s previous films?

Rohit is new to this type of commercial format. In Solo, he did a family drama where he downplayed himself and emoted in a subtle way. In Savitri, he is very energetic and transmits his energy to other characters. He doesn`t make an entry until the 16th minute. That itself shows how much space he allowed the story to have. The first fifteen minutes shouldn`t be missed. It sets the tone of the film. After the entry of Rohit`s character, the film goes to the next level. You will see a Rohit who talks with the heroine and the villain in the same way.

How is the heroine`s character etched?

It`s one of the highlights. Savitri was born in a marriage. So, she has a fondness for marriage. If she is crying, she stops it when taken to a marriage. The crux of the story is about what happens when such a marriage-obsessed girl has a man entering her life when she is about to get married.

What is the inspiration behind the idea?

I conceived this idea while in a gym. Many young girls were coming to the gym. I would think that working out in the gym is a difficult thing. But why do some girls enthusiastically work out in the gyms. I felt that they were mad of marriage and wanted to keep themselves fit before marriage. The idea got generated there.

Is there the element of astrology in the story?

If it`s revealed, the story will get revealed. You have to watch the movie to know it.

How do you think the girls will relate themselves to Savitri?

I think girls will be able to establish a connect with the character anon. There is a line that comes toward the end, “Prathi intlonoo manaku teliyani oka ada pilla untundi.” That says it all. There is a girl we know, and a girl we don`t know in our homes. This story is about the unknown girl.

So far, Rohit was cast in intense roles (mostly). In Savitri, he is cast opposite an innocuous girl. Was it all conscious?

That`s the beauty of the story. The love story between an intense guy and a bubbly, cute girl is the big USP. There takes place a cute romance between them. That chemistry has come out in a sizzling way.

If not for Rohit and Nandini, who would you have cast?

I did not have any in mind when I completed writing the story. But after I zeroed in on Rohit and Nandita, I made good tweaking of the story. I cannot imagine anyone else in the lead characters now. Not just them, even Murali Sharma, Dhanya and Ajay are not replaceable. No character is force-fit.

In Prema Ishq Kaadhal, the female characters are modern in their thinking. On the other hand, Savitri seems to be traditional in her outlook. Was it conscious?

It was never a conscious effort to write a contrasting character. As I said, the idea was conceived while I was in a gym. It`s only when you are drawing a contrast that I am noticing it!

Was there any sentiment to choose a title like Savitri because Lakshmi and Tulasi were hits?

No. Savitri was a registered title and I thank D Suresh Babu garu for permitting me to use the title. After roping in Rohit, I had doubts about the aptness of the title now that Rohit his own fan following. I like the title so much that I didn`t want to change the title come what may. Even if I had thought of a title change at times, Rohit wouldn`t accept. He has been more supportive! He gave me the confidence to continue with the title.

At whom is the film targeted?

Family audiences for sure. The emotions are like that. But youngsters will like the love story.

Your first film was targeted at youth. This one is for families. What in future?

Shivaja Raja garu came to me after the censor was done. He told me that he thought an aged person must have made it. "Recently my daughter got married. I want to meet her," he said. I could have made it into a youthful entertainer. But the ingredients were apt to make it into a family entertainer.

Tell us about the music.

Shravan`s music had to elevate the story. And it indeed has done.