Virtual interactions are the order of the day. Today remains more special in the Telugu OTT space, given it was one of the first occasions where a regional streaming platform went onto organise a virtual press meet, much to the joy of journos and a film’s cast and crew alike. The virtual press meet commemorating Bhanumathi (and) Ramakrishna’s digital release on Aha felt like a throwback to what seems like good-old-days of direct interaction. The press meet held much significance owing to the film’s title change, from Bhanumathi Ramakrishna to Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna. Actor Naveen Chandra, director Srikanth Nagothi, producers Sharath Marrar and Yashwanth were part of the press meet, stating the reason behind the title change and discussing their journey with the film.
Bhanumathi Ramakrishna underwent a title change out of the blues when family members of legendary actress, producer, director and singer late Bhanumathi expressed concerns with it. Though the makers had repeatedly clarified that the film had nothing to do with the legendary personality and even invited the actress’ family members to watch it, the apprehension supposedly continued. Without further ado, the team went ahead with a title change – the film will be referred to as Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna henceforth, they had clarified.
Producer Sharath Marrar had many words of praise for a young team that had the foresight to make a web-only film, when the regional OTT market hadn’t exactly matured a year ago. Another producer of the film Yashwanth had revealed that he even considered pitching it for the festival circuit. The team looked back at the filmmaking process when Naveen Chandra chipped in as a crew member in the need of the hour. Several journalists who had access to an early screening of the film, expressed their liking for its mature treatment and the fact that they wanted to see more of Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna beyond the 92-minute runtime.
The story behind filmmaker Ravikanth Perepu’s involvement with the project as an editor was fascinating too. Reportedly, Ravikanth’s film Krishna and his Leela, Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna were getting dubbed at the same studio when directors Srikanth and Ravikanth Perepu forged a strong rapport. The two filmmakers watched each other’s films and when Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna’s editor had to excuse himself owing to a busy schedule, Ravikanth Perepu stepped into his shoes. And it all happened over a trip to Goa. The cinematographer for both films happens to be Sai Prakash Ummadisingu while another common link between them was Veena Ghantasala’s voice. The similarities just don’t end there – both films also get to premiere on the same platform, Aha.
Bhanumathi and Ramakrishna will release on Aha on July 3 at 12 am.
