Director Venky Atluri has revealed that Vishwanath And Sons is the result of a conscious decision to reinvent his filmmaking style after facing criticism for Rang De. Speaking during the film’s promotional campaign, the filmmaker admitted that his first three films—Tholi Prema, Mr. Majnu, and Rang De—followed a similar romantic narrative pattern, drawing criticism from audiences who felt his work had become predictable.
Admitting the Pattern
Atluri acknowledged that after Rang De released in 2021, he decided it was time to explore different genres and ensure that each of his future projects had a distinct identity. The romantic entertainer received mixed responses, with many viewers pointing out the similarities to his earlier work. That feedback became a turning point in his career.
COVID Reflection Led to Lucky Baskhar
The COVID-19 pandemic gave Venky Atluri time to reflect on his creative journey. That period of introspection led to Lucky Baskhar, which marked a significant departure from his earlier romantic entertainers. The 2024 crime drama starring Dulquer Salmaan became his highest-grossing film and won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film – Telugu, validating his decision to reinvent himself with a sequel already in development.
Following that success, he wanted to tell a story that would resonate with family audiences and offer a different theatrical experience altogether.
Vision for Vishwanath And Sons
Explaining the vision behind Vishwanath And Sons, Atluri noted that the industry has witnessed an influx of dark and action-heavy films over the past few years. Wanting to provide a refreshing alternative, he chose to make a warm, family-oriented entertainer that encourages audiences of all ages to return to theatres.
The film stars Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026. The recently released teaser has already won hearts with its soothing and heartwarming tone, promising an emotional drama that stands apart from contemporary action-dominated cinema.
The filmmaker hopes the film’s emotional storytelling and feel-good tone will strike a chord with viewers looking for meaningful family entertainment. In a detailed interview, Atluri elaborated on how his approach to storytelling has evolved, emphasizing his commitment to variety and audience connection.
