Sai Ram Shankar, the younger brother of sensational director Puri Jagannadh, is starring in the edge-of-the-seat suspense thriller “Oka Pathakam Prakaram.” The film is directed by Vinod Kumar Vijayan and produced in collaboration with Garlapati Ramesh under the banners of Vinod Vihaan Films and Vihari Cinema House Pvt. Ltd. The movie has completed all its production formalities and is set to release on February 7. Bapiraju is releasing the movie on a grand scale across both Telugu states under the banner of Sri Lakshmi Films. With the release date approaching, director-producer Vinod Kumar Vijayan spoke to the media as part of the promotions. Here are some of the interesting things he shared:
How did your film journey begin? What films have you worked on in Mollywood?
I entered the Malayalam film industry at a very young age. I have worked in production and have produced many films. I have also directed films, some of which have even won National Awards. I was the one who introduced Fahadh Faasil and Gopi Sundar to the industry. Right now, I am working on projects with Mammootty Sir and Fahadh Faasil.
How did “Oka Pathakam Prakaram” happen?
During my childhood, we had Telugu neighbors, and I used to spend a lot of time at their house. That’s how I became familiar with the Telugu language. Back then, I used to watch NTR’s films at their house. I always had a desire to make a film in Telugu. On top of that, I have known Sai Ram Shankar for a long time. We are very good friends. One day, I shared this story with him, and that’s how this journey began.
What kind of film is “Oka Pathakam Prakaram”? What’s the concept?
This is a screenplay-based movie. Every Friday, many films release, but this Friday, the audience is going to witness a completely new experience. For Telugu audiences, this will feel very fresh and unique. From the beginning to the end, the film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. In fact, we are challenging the audience to identify the villain by the interval itself!
How are you planning the promotions for “Oka Pathakam Prakaram”?
We have come up with a unique promotional strategy—if someone correctly identifies the villain after the interval, we will reward them with ₹10,000. We will select one winner per theater in 50 theaters, giving away cash prizes of ₹10,000 each. We are making every effort to take our film to as many people as possible.
What are the characters like in “Oka Pathakam Prakaram”?
In this film, Sai Ram Shankar will appear in a completely new and different avatar. His character has multiple shades, and he has performed in a very subtle and intense manner—something we haven’t seen from him before. Shruti Sodhi, Ashima Narwal, and Samuthirakani also have impactful roles that will captivate the audience. Even the censor board officials appreciated the film. The suspense will be maintained until the very end.
What is the difference between Mollywood and Tollywood?
There are many differences in filmmaking between the two industries. Tollywood films tend to have more entertainment elements. However, regardless of the industry, the most important thing is how a story is told. In this film, we have attempted a unique and fresh screenplay approach.
