What an ensemble it is. Most of the top rung character actors, comedians and even some of the popular actors who play negative roles kept company with lead stars Venkatesh, Trisha and Brahmanandam. It was a song sequence that director Srinu Vytla was filming at the Ramanaidu cine village, Nanakramguda for 14 Reels Entertainment's maiden venture, Namo Venkatesa , produced by Ram Achanta, Gopichand Achanta and Anil Sunkara.
A veteran at making blockbusters, Suresh Daggubati, donning the mantle of a presenter, was on the sets to guide the debut producers.
Time to celebrate
A palatial house set was designed by art director A.S. Prakash with help from scores of carpenters and other technical staff. Ethnic wear and props dominated most part of the spacious drawing room indicating the tastes of its rich owner the film's hero Venkatesh. “In the movie it is shown as his house and on a happy occasion all the main characters that are associated with the protagonist break into a song to celebrate. It is an entertaining song,” revealed the director.
One could easily spot Venkatesh, Trisha, Brahmanandam, Akash who makes a special appearance, Kota Srinivasa Rao, J.P., Banerjee and Mukhesh Rishi, the antagonist, among the many actors participating in the shoot. It is hectic time for cinematographer Prasad Murella and the operative cameraman Surya Teja to bring them all into one frame.
Part of the shoot was held in Europe. The first half of the story takes place in Europe and the second half here in Andhra Pradesh-to be precise at this studio set up. Venkatesh's character starts on an innocent note and transforms into a witty, brawny romantic hero. He and Brahmanandam form a perfect pair creating a laugh riot.
“My character has been designed in an extraordinary manner (by Srinu Vytla and writer Gopi Mohan). We have two heroes in the film, me and Brahmanandam,” said Venky. At ease with the light bantering, he says that the film can be put in the genre of a Nuvvu Naaku Nachchav , Malleeswari or Jayam Manadhe .
The director-actor duo both known for their penchant for humour have teamed up for the first time. “I have been thinking of working with him for a long time, finally we found a perfect entertainer to offer,” said Venkatesh.
It is for the second time that the actor is paired with Trisha and this film is the second one for Trisha with the director. Suresh Daggubati opined that the four main pillars for the film are Venky, Trisha, Brahmanandam and Srinu Vytla. “They are supported by an experienced cast and crew. It is a romantic, action, fun-filled family drama.”
Fresh take
During the break, a visibly excited Srinu Vytla said that there are lot of variations in the subject and scope for a fresh feel. “I was excited by the story line narrated by writer Gopi. We developed it into an interesting script. Venkatesh Parvathaneni Venkataramana. Giving him company throughout the film is a character called ‘Paris' Prasad (Brahmanandam),” he smiles. “He gives me strange names in his films,” chipped in Brahmanandam.
Srinu Vytla is particularly happy about the way his cinematographer has dealt with the film. “He is cooperation personified and did a fantastic job. And Devi Sri Prasad has given some excellent tunes. We shot a couple of duets in Iceland, a first for a Telugu film.”
The producers are planning to release the music on December 13 coinciding with its hero Venkatesh's birthday. Namo Venkatesa will hit the marquee in January 2010.
