What would you look for in a movie? The production house, director and the lead cast. At least for starters, that's what grabs one's attention. And one film that is lined up for release, which falls into the `looking forward-to' category, is the MS Raju's directorial debut 'Vaana'.

Well, media has written extensive stories about it being a remake of the Kannada hit Mungaru Male. The makers too haven't shied away from owning up to it and have said at every public forum that the film's success in Karnataka has been the inspiration behind presenting it to a Telugu audience.

Now what could work for the film? For starters, it is being made under the Sumanth Art's Banner in association with Nookarapu Suryaprakasa Rao, who has recently turned a producer. Then, the reason why the film's release is being under such scrutiny is because it is being directed by MS Raju himself. Now, that's a brave move for him. Though many dream of getting into direction at some point, he has walked the extra mile to make his passion come true. So, that's what could really work for the film.

Then of course, it is a tested script. It has worked in another south Indian language and that increases the probability factor of it working here too.

As for the story, it is a love story. So, in case you thought what's new, then it's the way they handled the script that made it tick in Kannada. It is about a happy-go-lucky boy, who accompanies his mother to a wedding in the picturesque hill station of Madikeri. Once the boy meets the girl and they fall in love, comes the twist in the tale.

While you will have to wait till the film releases to find out if it is a tragedy or a comedy, we would also like to tell you that it had Anant Nag playing a special role as the deaf ex-serviceman in the film.

The film's music by Kamalakar is unusual for mainstream films, but is experimental for Telugu. It has a ghazal in Telugu and a remix of Kurisindi vaana for the title track. So, it could work for a change. Then, it will be MS Raju's inputs and direction that would make or break the film's box-office records.

But given that the script had MS Raju turning a director, is reason enough for checking it out probably! Curiosity is what differentiates a layman from a movie buff.

Cast: Vinay and Meera Chopra

Credits:

Producers: Sumanth Arts in association with SPR Entertainments

Music Director: Kamalakar

Director: MS Raju

To be released on: January 14