Debutant director Shouree Chandrashekhar T Ramesh awaits the theatrical release of 'Butta Bomma' on February 4. In this interview, the director talks about his background, what to expect from the film, the challenge of doing a remake, working with Sithara Entertainments, his expectations from the movie, and more.

Tell us about your background.

I was born and brought up in Hyderabad although my elders hail from Guntur. I come from a non-film background. After completing my MBA (with Marketing as the specialization), I forayed into the film industry with dreams. I have always been passionate about movies but I wanted to enter the film after having basic education. Before stepping into Tollywood, I worked in Bollywood on movies such as 'Shool', 'Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega', 'Bardaasht', and 'Dum'. E Nivas was the first director under whom I worked.

I returned to Hyderabad after the demise of my father, Chandrasekhar. Sometime later, I got to work under star director Sukumar for Ram Pothineni's 'Jagadam' and then till 'Pushpa'. I got to know Sukumar garu through a common acquaintance.

My father used to be a movie buff. He would take us to at least one movie every week. I have borrowed my middle name from him. I want to see his name on the big screen.

Usually, new directors opt for their own stories. It is a contrast that you have picked a remake as your debut venture.

When I watched 'Kappela' (Malayalam), I really liked its screenplay. I felt that the movie was based on its script. My personal opinion is that some films can't be remade. 'Kadhal' (dubbed as 'Premisthe') is an example. But 'Kappela' can be remade. The film excited me, especially its screenplay. It can be adapted into Telugu. I had a similar feeling when I watched 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum'.

Take us through the casting decisions you have made.

I picked Anikha Surendran because I liked her performance as a youngster in the OTT show 'Queen' (J Jayalalithaa's biopic directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon). She looks innocent and deep. When I pitched her name to producer Chinna Babu garu, he gave the nod. As for Tamil actor Arjun Das of 'Master' and 'Kaithi' fame, it was producer S Naga Vamsi garu's pick. Then comes Surya, whose name was recommended to me by both producers. I auditioned him and felt he was the best suited.

Have you made any changes to the Malayalam original?

While the essence has been retained, we changed the flavour of comedy. Also, the way emotions are portrayed in our movies is different. The first half has got more substantial changes, which are attuned to Telugu culture and tastes. Points that are universal haven't been changed. A major screenplay change has been made in the first half. I am sure even the director of the original will endorse the change.

Comparisons between the original and the remake are inevitable. But the original 'Kappela' hasn't been watched by most audiences in rural and semi-urban areas.

How was it working with the three new actors?

All three characters will stay in the audience's mind after watching the movie. As actors, all three will go places. For all three, 'Butta Bomma' is the first straight Telugu movie. They are all good actors with nice expressions.

How was it working with Sithara Entertainments?

Sithara Entertainments remade 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' as 'Bheemla Nayak' successfully. They have a grasp of the art of remakes. I chose Navin Nooli to edit the movie, given his credentials. It was through him that I got in touch with Sithara Entertainments. Trivikram garu was too busy. He didn't involve during the making. Afterward, he made some changes and we made changes accordingly.

What is the USP of 'Butta Bomma'?

The film starts as a love story, but it slowly transforms into a thriller. When you watch the movie, you will know why we chose the title 'Butta Bomma'. Moreover, the song 'Butta Bomma' from 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' is hugely popular. The star cast doesn't matter these days. If the content is good, people will watch a movie. Otherwise, nobody cares.

 

Tell us about the music directors.

Gopi Sundar garu has done one song and BGM. Sweekar Agasthi has done one song. We are very sure that the tunes and RR will click with everyone. We wanted to go exclusively with Sweekar. However, we couldn't connect enough with the tunes he gave at first. So, Gopi was chosen.

What is coming up next from you?

I want to do an action film next. I want it to be a moody one, not an action-heavy one. That is, if I get a chance to do it (smiles). I am open to working with any actor.