I became a filmmaker due to some unique situations. Otherwise, I am no zealous director, says Jeevitha Rajasekhar ahead of the theatrical release of her film 'Shekar'. Starring Angry Star Rajasekhar in the lead, the film will hit the screens on May 20.

Beeram Sudhakara Reddy, Shivani Rajashekar, Shivathmika Rajashekar, and Boggaram Venkata Srinivas have joined hands to produce it on Pegasus Cinecorp, Taurus Cinecorp, Sudhakar Impex IPL, and Tripura Creations. 'Shekar' is presented by Vankayalapati Murali Krishna.

Highlights of the interview:

When we bought the Telugu remake rights of the Tamil film 'Sethu' (1999), we reached out to some filmmakers. Our condition was that the film should be a faithful remake. But none of them was ready to do a faithful remake. Therefore, I had no option but to wield the megaphone myself for 'Seshu' (2002). It was my first film as a director. Thanks to cinematographer Hari Anumolu, I could pull off the remake even though I knew nothing about filmmaking. I later directed films on my own.

'Shekar' is a remake of the Malayalam film 'Joseph'. When we watched the movie and bought its remake rights, we approached 'Palasa 1978' director Karuna Kumar and Neelakantha. Since they were busy at that time, I myself wielded the megaphone.

'Shekar' is an unpredictable movie. I have given it a realistic treatment. Rajasekhar garu's look will draw so much applause. Some minor changes have been made to the original in keeping with the Telugu nativity. I am confident that everyone is going to love the movie.

We all have someone to love in our lives. It could be a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or somebody else. But what would be the state of mind of a loner? 'Shekar' is about a lonesome individual who can handle any situation in life on his own without anybody's emotional support. The film will impress everyone with a heart.

We had our doubts even when we made 'Gorintaku'. Thanks to its sentimental quotient, it became a big hit. The strength given by that movie made us do 'Shekar'. If a nice OTT offer comes our way, we will definitely release it on some streaming giant.

Prakash Raj garu is a person with a kind heart. When he helps someone, even his other hand wouldn't know about it. He has done 'Shekar' without charging a single rupee.

We have no differences with anybody in the film industry. The issue with Chiranjeevi garu is an old one. To this day, the issue is sought to be kept alive by YouTubers. Their thumbnails seek to drive a wedge between us.

Both my husband and my daughter (Shivani) have acted in 'Shekar'. I wanted my characters to come out in the best possible way. When I wrote the daughter's character and conveyed the same to my daughters (Shivani and Shivathmika), Shivani evinced keen interest to essay the role. The father-daughter scenes are crucial to the film. I felt that instead of roping in someone else, I should cast our daughter for a better emotional connection.

We were tense till the time the trailer was released. 'Shekar' has got a realistic story and the thought of whether it would be accepted by the audience bothered us. But since the trailer has been receiving a humongous response, we are very happy. The tours across various colleges have also been a great experience.

Rajasekhar garu caught Covid-19 just a week before 'Shekar' was to go on the floors. His condition turned serious. Everything was uncertain and we were worried. Thanks to everyone's prayers, he survived the virus.

Rajasekhar garu is a soft and sensitive person. Everyone reacts in their own way when angry. In 'Shekar', his behaviour is just the way he is in real life. The film is about what a common man does when he gets angry.

Rajasekhar garu is a director's hero. He is a spontaneous actor. Right from the time he worked with the likes of Kodi Ramakrishna garu, he has been this way. He rejects a movie if it is illogical, no matter how big a director approaches him.

People have been asking if Rajasekhar garu is ready to essay negative roles. His journey started by doing villain roles. He did a negative role under Bharati Raja's direction. He is ready to play negative roles if they are of the kind Arvind Swamy played in Ram Charan's 'Dhruva'. He likes playing inimitable characters of the kind Rajinikanth played in 'Peda Rayudu'. He is ready to act in a Chiranjeevi garu movie. Speaking for myself, I am ready to essay any role if it is etched well.

'Shekar' is coming a week after 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' and a week before 'F3'. We have asked distributors and exhibitors to sell the tickets at government-mandated rates.

It's only because of Rajasekhar garu's full support and encouragement that I have been able to multi-task. If I can speak my heart out and speak up anywhere, it is because of his support.

Even though I am not in MAA, many members are in touch with me. I am always there whenever they need my help. I also urge everyone to watch 'Shekar' on May 20 and bless us.

Cast and Crew:

Dr. Rajashekar, Prakash Raj, Shivani Rajasekhar, Aathmeeya Rajan, 'George Reddy' fame Muskaan Kubchandhani, Abhinav Gomatam, Kannada Kishore, Sameer, Bharani, Ravi Varma, Shravan Raghavendra and others are the principal cast.

PRO: Naidu Surendra Kumar - Phani Kandukuri (Beyond Media); Digital Partner: Ticket Factory; Art Direction: Sampath; Writer: Lakshmi Bhupala; Cinematographer: Mallikarjun Naragani; Music Director: Anup Rubens; Producers: Beeram Sudhakara Reddy, Shivani Rajashekar, Shivathmika Rajashekar, Boggaram Venkata Srinivas; Screenplay, Direction: Jeevitha Rajashekar.