Director Venky Atluri is the talk of the town along with actor Dhanush this week. 'SIR' in Telugu (and its Tamil version 'Vaathi') has been running successfully across the Telugu States (and Tamil Nadu). In this interview, the filmmaker says that the film's subject and its touchy portrayal of the struggles of parents/students is topical. Catch him also throw light on how it all started in 2020 and how it ended.

The story of the film is set in the late '90s. What made you opt for a period genre?

It was during that period that the privatization of education started. Moreover, my schooling and college years belonged to that period. So, I have got observations and experiences from that era. And setting the story in the late '90s didn't make much difference in terms of relevance. As long as education remains a bare necessity, 'SIR' will seem relevant.

Some scenes in the second half have been received with warmth by the audience. Tell us about that.

The audience are seeing many scenes as a highlight. Every student who watches 'SIR' will learn to be more sensitive toward the parents. At the same time, the parents, too, need to watch our movie.

How has the reception been in Tamil? Usually, films made by Tollywood makers haven't had a great run in Tamil.

The reception is unanimous over there as well. I don't agree with your observation. 'Baahubali 2' is one of the biggest-grossing films ever in Tamil Nadu. 'Vaathi' has been watched lovingly by the audience there. The audience are cheering and clapping for many scenes.

How was the experience of working with Dhanush?

He is a gifted actor. It was during the lockdown in 2020 that I developed the story of 'SIR' and approached him with a blank mind. He loved the narration. He is very punctual on set. His insights are amazing. He has a great sense of how the film is coming out.

Your first three films ('Tholi Prema', 'Mr. Majnu' and 'Rang De') were rom-coms. What made you change the gears?

After 'Rang De', I felt that I was stereotyping myself. I stumbled across the theme of education and it proded me to think in a new way. That's how it started.

Up next, what are you going to do? In a recent interview, you said that you will be making a film about a financial crime.

Nothing has been finalized as yet. For sure, my next film won't be a social drama. It will be an edgy movie.

You have touched upon issues like caste-based discrimination and dignity of labour in 'SIR'. What made you do so?

I dislike how we don't treat those doing lower-grade jobs well. A job is a job. Why should there be discrimination? The same goes with caste. I am against the caste system. These are relevant issues and that's why I build scenes around them.

How do you see the comparison of 'SIR' with films like 'Super 30' and '3 Idiots'?

'Super 30' was a biopic. It has zero similarities with my film. The same goes with '3 Idiots'. The quest for a highly-regarded teacher from the past by three characters is just a peg. Otherwise, 'SIR' and '3 Idiots' are two completely different movies.

You avoided a direct physical confrontation between the hero and the villain (played by Samuthirakani). Was it a conscious decision?

Yes. A fight between them would have been totally out of place. Their clash is purely ideological in nature. That's why they argue verbally and don't get physical.

The Telugu audience have welcomed Dhanush, a Tamil hero, with wide arms. Did you expect this kind of reception?

In the era of OTT, our audience have been exposed to non-Telugu movies with greater frequency than ever before. 'Karnan' and 'Asuran' are just two examples. Our audiences are familiar with the films of Fahadh Faasil, Rishab Shetty, Rakshit Shetty and other non-Telugu heroes.