Ahead of the release of 'Ye Mantram Vesave' on March 9, the film's director Sridhar Marri talks about how his background, why the film got delayed, and more.

What is your background?

I was born in Hyderabad. I studied in Bengaluru and did my engineering. Post this, I did Masters in Industrial Designs. I then studied in IIM Kolkata and worked with Infosys for 15 years.

What made you give up a lucrative career to pursue a career in films?

I have always been interested in stories and theatre. I always wanted to be in films. With 'Ye Mantram Vesave', my desire is fulfilled. I decided to produce the movie myself when I realized nobody would invest in my idea as I don't have any strong background and experience. I made this movie with the money I had been saving.

What is 'YMV' about?

From the beginning, I wanted to deal with a subject that is very relatable and contemporary. That's how I zeroed in on the idea of how addiction to social media and gadgets can be damaging, how it can ruin human relations.

Vijay Devarakonda is not only promoting the movie but also recently described 'YMV' as a backlog movie. What is the issue?

There is no specific reason. The film got delayed and he got busy with other assignments in the meanwhile. Contrary to what has been rumoured, there is no tiff between him and me.

We are seeing some shades of Arjun Reddy-kinda roughness in Vijay's character in 'YMV'. Did you make any changes post that film's release?

No. The film is as it always had to be. I made no changes after the release of 'Pelli Choopulu' and 'AR'.

Why did the film get so delayed?

I started writing 'YMV' in 2014. After I started the shoot in 2015, I also spent time on my software company in Bengaluru. That's why the project got delayed.

How did Malkapuram Shivakumar enter the project?

Since I am a new director and 'YMV' is a concept-oriented movie, nobody came forward to distribute it. This is when Shivakumar garu offered to distribute it.

What are your plans for future?

I don't want to do commercial movies. I will mostly be into meaningful concept-driven movies. I am not in the industry for making money.