Sairam Shankar is looking for a hit

Sairam Shankar, better known as top director Puri Jagannath’s younger brother, is coming up with another film Neno Rakam. The actor has been looking for a good break from the last few years and has pinned his hopes on this film. “It’s a love entertainer with a small social awareness message. Senior actor Sarath Kumar is playing an important role in the film,” says Sairam Shankar. Sudarshan Sailendra makes his debut as director with this film. “I know him from a long time and when he came up with this film, I liked it. It has come out very nicely and I know this time, it will definitely work for me,” says Shankar, confidently.

He plays a finance company’s recovery agent in the film. “Reshmi Menon plays the female lead and she has done a very nice job,” he says, adding, “When we approached Sarath Kumar, he had many big projects in hand, but he put everything aside and did our film because he believed our story was good.”

Shankar’s last few films didn’t do well at the box-office. “It’s very sad that all my films released at the wrong time and date. I expected a lot from my last film Araku Road Lo but it was released at the time of demonetisation and didn’t do well. I even requested the producer to postpone the release,” says Shankar about his film. “My earlier films were also badly affected as they were released during the Telangana movement and Samaikyandra movement. Now, Neno Rakam is releasing on March 17, which I feel is a good time,” he says.

With brother Puri Jagannadh introducing many actors, why can’t he give him a break now? “My brother has done more than what everyone expected for me. In fact, he gave me the last break, Bumper Offer and now, I don’t want to go and ask him as he is busy with his films,” says Shankar, adding, “It’s time I stood on my own feet. His moral support is always there for me.” Shankar also shares, “I have shown this film to him and he liked it a lot, especially the second half. He even congratulated the director for making the film so gripping.”

Many actors like Aadhi Pinisetty, Ranadheer and Naveen Chandra are now doing different characters and even villain’s roles. When asked about his plans, Shankar says, “Before I take a decision, I want to give a hit. Once I taste success, then I will think about doing different kinds of roles.” Talking about his upcoming film Vaadu Nenu Kaadhu, which is releasing in four languages, he reveals, “80 per cent of the film is complete and the remaining will be done soon.”