Director Krish Opens Up on the Making of Anushka’s ‘Ghaati’

September 3, 2025 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

Queen Anushka Shetty is all set to return to the big screen with her most awaited action drama Ghaati, releasing on September 5. The film, co-starring Vikram Prabhu, is directed by visionary filmmaker Krish Jagarlamudi and produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Babu Jagarlamudi under the First Frame Entertainment banner, with UV Creations presenting it. With its gripping promos, Ghaati has already created huge buzz. Ahead of its release, director Krish shared key insights about the film at a press meet.

The Origin of Ghaati

Speaking about what inspired him to make the film, Krish revealed that noted writer Dr. Chintakindi Srinivas Rao was the one who first narrated the idea. “‘Ghaatis’ are laborers who transport a unique variety of ganja grown in the Andhra–Odisha border. Their lives and struggles fascinated me. Srinivas Rao penned a 30-page story, which I found extremely exciting. I then began developing it, traveling to the Eastern Ghats for research. It felt like discovering a whole new world, with a distinct culture and lifestyle worth portraying on screen,” he explained.

Anushka Shetty as the Soul of the Story

Krish confirmed that the story was always envisioned with a strong female lead at its center. “After Vedam, I wanted to collaborate with Anushka again. The character of Sheelavathi in Ghaati is fictional but perfectly suited to Anushka’s grace, attitude, and stardom. This is a big-scale commercial action drama made especially for her,” he said.

The director also emphasized that while the narrative revolves around ganja, it does not glorify it. “The story addresses social issues like identity and survival. Governments try to curb the problem, but it continues to exist. This film highlights the consequences of survival choices without romanticizing them.”

Cast and Characters

Vikram Prabhu plays Desiraju, a pure-hearted leader-like character. “I imagined him while writing the role. He fit it perfectly and performed brilliantly,” Krish noted.

Chaitanya Rao plays the antagonist Kundula Naidu, a role that, according to Krish, showcases a completely new dimension of the actor. “What you see in the trailer is just a glimpse—there’s a full feast in the film,” he teased. Ravindra Vijay as Kashtalu Naidu and veteran Rajasekhar Master in a surprise role also add to the film’s powerful ensemble.

Visuals and Music

Cinematographer Manoj has captured the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Ghats. “We shot sunrises, sunsets, and mountainscapes very naturally. It’s the first time such extraordinary locations are being shown in cinema,” Krish shared.

On music, Krish roped in Sagar, a talent he has worked with on ad films. “The Eastern Ghats themselves have a musical language. We wanted a unique fusion sound for the film, and Sagar’s approach is fresh and innovative. Audiences will experience a completely new soundscape,” he added.

Powerful Writing and Dialogues

Acclaimed writer Sai Madhav Burra penned the dialogues, which Krish described as “straight from the heart.” Some of the film’s lines even evolved from songs Krish had written, further enriched by his training under Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry.

Backing from the Producers

Krish credited producers Rajeev Reddy, Sai Babu Jagarlamudi, and UV Creations’ Vicky, Vamsi, and Pramod for their unwavering support. “Anushka’s strength as an actress is well known—from Arundhati to Bhaagamathie, she has delivered iconic performances. With Ghaati, she got another powerful role, and the producers backed us without compromise,” he said.

Final Word

Krish described Ghaati as a complex story told on the biggest canvas, with intense emotions, action, and fresh cinematic language. “It is not just an action film but an exploration of identity and survival against a unique backdrop. After Ghaati releases, we will share updates about our next projects,” he concluded.