Mangalavaaram, starring Payal Rajput, Ajmal Ameer, Nanditha Swetha, Ravindra Vijay, and Ajay Ghosh among others is all set to hit the screens this week on November 17th. Ahead of the release of his upcoming film, director Ajay Bhupathi spoke to Track Tollywood about the project and how it’s going to redefine the genre.
What is Mangalavaaram?
Mangalavaaram is a rustic village-based mysterious thriller.
After Mahasamudram, you’re coming up with Mangalavaaram. So how was your thought process behind this film after the result of Mahasamudram
Regardless of the result of the previous film, I was fixated on this project and wanted to take it to the audience. When we work on a particular project, the success or failure of the previous film doesn’t matter and only the current project is on my mind.
What was the main reason behind casting Payal Rajput?
I had a clear idea about Payal Rajput’s performance as an actress. We all are aware of her capabilities. Knowing all this I felt she would suit the character in Mangalavaaram so I made the decision of casting her.
This is an ‘A’ certificate movie and the success of any movie depends on the common audience’s approval. What’s your strategy for attracting them?
Virupaksha was also ‘A’ certified film. Despite that, it did very well at the box office. We also need to understand that ‘A’ certificate for Mangalavaaram was given on the basis of the number of horror elements, and how the music added to the horror experience. If we go back, even Pokiri was given an ‘A’ certificate because of its violence. We need to come out of the feeling that ‘A’ certificate means adult content. Also, Mangalavaaram didn’t receive any visual cut or sound cut so that means it can be watched without and inhibitions.
Speaking of Virupaksha, it was released recently and became a blockbuster What is the key difference between Mangalavaaram and Virupaksha?
Both are entirely different films. In fact, the genre itself is quite different. Our film is a mysterious thriller rooted in nativity with some horror elements.
Mangalavaaram is usually associated with negativity in our culture. Is there any link to that in the movie?
It’s true that there are some negative connotations for Tuesdays which is unfortunate. But yes, I wanted to capture this negativity associated with the particular day and it also suited my narration and storytelling where particular incidents happen on Tuesdays. Hence, we went ahead with Mangalavaaram.
What kind of support did you receive from the producers on the project?
I am one of the producers on this project and coming to other producers Swathi Reddy Gunupati and Suresh Varma, everyone was on the same page, and equally passionate about this film. They were equally thrilled with the title ‘Mangalavaaram’ as it was a catchy one and as expected, it reached the audience quite well.
Please share three reasons why Mangalavaaram should be watched.
The first reason is the story. It is the backbone of the film and I have touched on some contemporary aspects that no one has done so far. So the audience must watch the film for the story which is a major USP.
Secondly, the film’s making is great and the audience will have a terrific experience in theatres.
Third, the music for the film by Ajneesh Loknath who worked on Kantara, and sound designer MR Radhakrishna. The background score and sound of the film will surely give you goosebumps.
Also, the twists and reveals in the film will definitely stun you. Especially in the last fifteen minutes. You may even want to carry a notebook to keep track of all.
What are your box-office expectations from Mangalavaaram?
I only care about the buyers getting their investment back. Whatever surplus we make on the movie will be god’s blessing and the audience’s love. I’m not expecting anything. Even for RX 100 I never had any expectations and it became a huge hit. A movie’s true success can only happen when the buyers will have their money back.
In the trailer, Payal was shown much later. Can we expect the same in the movie?
Yes! I’m revealing it right now. Payal will appear around the interval. The first half will be laden with questions and the second half will give a clarity and reveal of everything.
Sequels are a trend at the moment. Do you have any plans for Mangalavaaram 2?
You won’t be asking this question after the release day morning show. You’ll get complete clarity then.
What are your future plans after Mangalavaaram? Any plans of working with big league heroes?
I do have some projects that will be revealed when the time comes. Coming to heroes, everything depends on the story. If I feel a particular story suits a big hero, I will go to any big name in the industry, that’s not a problem.
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