Did you experience any tense moments with HanuMan?

Prashanth Varma: Not really. Once I complete a project, I try not to think too much about it.

Did Mega Star Chiranjeevi watch HanuMan?

Prashanth Varma: Unfortunately, he was not able to watch the film due to health issues. However, I heard that he is a Hanuman devotee and he watched the film with great effort. He later spoke to me for 15 minutes about the film.

How did the theatre issues affect your concentration on the film?

Prashanth Varma: It definitely affected me as a filmmaker. However, after the film's release, I felt that if the film turns out to be a hit, it will inspire others to make more such films.

How did you mould Teja for the role of HanuMan?

Prashanth Varma: Teja is an experienced actor and there was no need to tell him much. In Zombie Reddy, he was shown as a class youngster, while in HanuMan, he played the role of a villager. He effortlessly transitioned between these two contrasting roles.

What was the reason for the film's delay? Was it due to VFX or the hype surrounding the film?

Prashanth Varma: The film was delayed for two years due to inexperience. This was my first time working on a VFX-heavy film, and it took longer than expected. The hype surrounding the film also contributed to the delay, as we wanted to ensure that the film lived up to the expectations of the audience.

You are promoting the film as a superhero movie. What makes HanuMan a superhero?

Prashanth Varma: We wanted to create a superhero film that is rooted in Indian culture and mythology. We drew inspiration from the character of Hanuman ji, who is a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion. We wanted to create a film that would appeal to all ages and that would showcase the power of Indian mythology.

How did you draw inspiration from DC and Marvel series for HanuMan?

Prashanth Varma: I didn't want to make a Marvel or DC-like superhero film. I wanted to create something indigenous and culturally rooted. The first thought that came to mind was Hanuman ji, and I wrote the story. We didn't do anything different; we followed the same template. I always wanted to do a superhero film. In fact, I wanted to become a superhero! (laughs) Since I couldn't do that, I thought, let me make a film. I didn't want it to be a Marvel or DC-like superhero film but something indigenous and culturally rooted. The first thought that came to mind was Hanuman ji and I wrote the story. Then I got multiple ideas for various superheroes based on our itihaas (history) and it took off from there."

Tell us more about your Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe.

Prashanth Varma: I have another superhero film lined up post HanuMan, titled Adhira. This is a very ambitious project for me. When I started working on HanuMan, my sister (who writes with me), my team of writers, and I started generating many superheroes and thought it would be very cool if we could create a story arc connecting all these various superheroes and their stories. If HanuMan becomes a success, then I can divulge more about that.

How do you respond to comparisons between HanuMan and other superhero films like Sri Anjaneyam?

Prashanth Varma: Ours is a superhero film, but we have taken a different approach. In Sri Anjaneyam, Arjun had the powers, and it was about building a dam. HanuMan is very culturally rooted and unlike any other superhero film the audience would have seen. It's in an Indian storytelling template and has songs, emotions, and so on. Initially, I thought I would pitch the film to a star, but I'd have to wait a while to get their dates. Moreover, this story needs an underdog, and the audience would relate better to an actor rather than a star. Cinema is the biggest star, and I wanted to be genuine to the process of cinema. I wanted to cast someone who suits the role rather than a star just to make more money.

What about the response in the North?

Prashanth Varma: The response in the North has been tremendous. They have already watched the film's trailer and teaser and are highly receptive to it.