Anand Deverakonda’s latest movie is “Gam Gam Ganesha”. Pragathi Srivastava and Nayan Sarika star opposite Anand in this film, which is produced by Kedar Selagamshetty and Vamsi Karumanchi under the banner Hy-Life Entertainment. Uday Shetty makes his directorial debut with this film. “Gam Gam Ganesha” is set for a grand theatrical release on the 31st of this month. In a recent interview, Anand Deverakonda shared the highlights of the movie in the recent media interaction.
“After ‘Middle Class Melodies,’ we went into lockdown. It was uncertain how long the lockdown would last or if it would ever end. During this period, I started planning my next project. Along with the story of ‘Baby,’ I received the script for ‘Gam Gam Ganesha.’ The script synopsis sent by director Uday Shetty included three words – greed, fear, and conspiracy – which intrigued me. This line was exciting and felt unique, as I enjoy watching crime comedies like ‘Swamy Rara.’ When I saw that movie, I felt that we could create more films like this in Telugu.”
“In every interview, I am asked why I don’t do hero-centric movies. I thought, why not? With the story of ‘Gam Gam Ganesha,’ I felt confident that I could take on such a role. Unlike my previous ‘boy next door’ image, in this film, I am energetic, I do comedy, I cry when needed, and I am hyper. The character thinks of himself as a hero but doesn’t act like one.”
“The shooting was delayed after the confirmation of ‘Gam Gam Ganesha.’ I was still in character makeover for the movie ‘Baby,’ and it took a few months to come out of it. The second wave of COVID-19 and film union strikes caused further delays. In the second half of the film, there are scenes set in the background of a Ganesha Mandapam. We built a set for these scenes, but it collapsed due to heavy rains. We rebuilt the set and completed the shooting, which took additional time.”
“Our director Uday has crafted the screenplay in a way that I believe everyone will enjoy. The story features fifteen main characters, and Uday has succeeded as a debut director in bringing out the best performances from all of them. He is also receiving offers for two or three more films. I am happy and confident about ‘Gam Gam Ganesha.'”
“Recently, we held special screenings of ‘Gam Gam Ganesha’ for family and youth audiences. They enjoyed and were entertained by the movie. Their positive response has given us more confidence. Despite watching the shooting footage hundreds of times, it still feels fresh. Typically, these action comedies are best enjoyed in a theater setting; the thrill doesn’t translate as well on OTT platforms.”
Not only in my films, but my brother Vijay’s films also have rich content. He has done character-driven movies, which is why he gained national recognition with “Arjun Reddy.” “Gam Gam Ganesha” is not a film made to change my image; the story seemed new, and I thought I could try such a script and character. Pragathi Srivastava and Nayan Sarika play the two heroines in our film. Both have significant roles and performed well. Although there are two heroines, “Gam Gam Ganesha” is not a love triangle story.
After hearing the story of “Gam Gam Ganesha,” I was initially afraid that I wouldn’t be able to perfect the comedic timing. We did some workshops and fixed the timing. I have done comedy in “Middle Class Melodies” and “Pushpaka Vimana” in the past, so it comes naturally to me. However, I had to perform a bit more hyperactively in “Gam Gam Ganesha.”
This story revolves around the idol of Lord Ganesha. Several characters try to obtain the idol, each with bad intentions. The plot centers on the value of the statue and who ultimately gets it. The film also explores themes of fear, greed, and conspiracy, showing how these traits impact the lives of the characters.
I listen to songs and practice dancing. When I am free at home, my brother Vijay encourages me to practice dance. My father also used to say, “Do you have grace? Learn to dance.” We did a six-minute song in “Baby,” but it was cut to make the film longer. I got the chance to dance in this movie.
As a hero, my span of movies does not increase all at once. I received a grosser of 100 crores with “Baby,” but I don’t expect my next movie to collect more than that. Love stories have a universal reach. We spent six crores on “Gam Gam Ganesha.” If the promotion money is recouped and the film breaks even, and you all give good reviews, it will provide us with a lot of strength and support. There are no movies to watch with family this summer, and “Gam Gam Ganesha” fills that gap.
I love doing raw action movies. I wanted to do films like Dhanush’s “Karnan” and “Asuran.” Now, Vinod Anantoju’s movie with Sitara Entertainment will be in such a format. Director Sai Rajesh, SKN, Vaishnavi, and I are making a film together in the “Baby” combo. Apart from these, I am acting in a duet film with Studio Green, and the shooting of this movie is 50 percent complete.
Rashmika is our family friend. At the pre-release event, we wanted to make the chit-chat go viral. Chaitan Bharadwaj provided excellent music for “Gam Gam Ganesha,” and the BGM is also impressive. Hy-Life Entertainment is like my home banner. Kedar and Vamsi are my friends, and they supported this film a lot. When the shooting was delayed and the set was destroyed, they completed the film by spending again.
