Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishna Murthy
The title is an absolute giveaway. Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy can be only one thing --- a light-hearted fun and frolic. And director Siva Nageswara Rao, who was last seen in Dhanalaxmi I Love you, promise you just that in his new film.
But this will be comedy with a difference, he says. And you believe him for that as he was out of the industry for some time and has spent the time away in introspection and rumination.
He says he has come with a new style to his essentially comedy-oriented films Rao last directed Dhanalaxmi I Love You and was out of the film circuit for two years. "I have directed so many entertainers like One By Two, Pattukondi Chooddam, Money, Money Money, Hands Up, Sisindri, Lucky Chance, etc. All of them belong to the comedy genre. After Dhanalaxmi I Love You, I wanted to change my style so I decided to wait for the right time and the right story. The reason for the failure of my last film was the wrong casting of stars, nothing else,"he says.
The director may be in the process of re-inventing himself, but the hero Sivaji did that just in Ammayi Bagundi. He is happy that Ammayi Bagundi got good reviews. But he says that was only starters. "I need to pick up steam and go further". He is sure that Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy will help him do that.
For Laila, the film offers a chance to actually invent herself as a bankable heroine. She knows that and has put in her best to be counted as a top actress.
The centre of the film is about a husband and wife who are not really husband and wife. The movie is all about what trouble the duo get into by posing as married couples. In terms of idea, it is not originals. We have seen many films with same idea. The treatment is originals, says the director. Though he says, "there is no guarantee that a film will always work. But from our side, we can say we have given our best. That is what matters really." He adds that the change in his style is more than just cosmetic.
"The appealing and endearing story is the strength of the film. Even the title should intrigue people," he points out.
The director is happy with Sivaji and Laila. "Sivaji is a professional and given off his best. Laila's looks and figure are perfect for the character. The role is jovial and she suited it perfectly. She really got under the skin of the character."
The music of newcomer Rohit Raj is good.
Everybody has given his or her best, now it is for the public to give a verdict, says the producer Purna Chandra Rao.
The film releases in the last week of October.