We will expand our brand equity: Ravi Shankar Yalamanchilli

Leading Telugu production house Mythri Movie Makers have launched a Malayalam film with Tovino Thomas and Lal Jr to expand their footprint beyond Tollywood. They are also planning big ticket movies in Bollywood and Kollywood to reach out to pan-India viewers. Top producer Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili claims that their next film ‘Pushpa 2’ will be much bigger and more gripping in a chit chat with Deccan Chronicle.

Q: What is the reason behind moving to the Malayalam industry which is known for contest-based movies over star-studded stuff?

A: Malayalam movies have always fascinated us with their novel and path-breaking movies. We were quite happy to begin our stint in the Malayalam industry with an interesting film in the combination of Tovino Thomas and Lal Jr. Actually, we were floored by Tovino Thomas’s performances in films like ‘Minnal Murali’ and ‘2018’, while we adored Lal Jr's gripping saga ‘Driving License’. We are glad that they have come together to give us a perfect launch in Mollywood.

Q: Your banner is known for star-studded flicks like ‘Srimanthudu’, ‘Janatha Garage’ and “Pushpa’?

A: It is true that we made star-studded and big budget movies in Telugu and got an opportunity to work with big stars. We always believed in spending money as demanded by the script and not the other way round. Similarly, even in Malayalam we will spend as much money as is required for the film and not a paisa above it. We are also planning to make movies in Bollywood and Kollywood and discussions are going on with various makers. We have already signed up directors like Lokesh Kanagaraj and Vetrimaaran and soon things will fall in place. With most films being pan-India, we wanted to study the working style and business module of each language and expand our brand accordingly.

Q: What is happening with ‘Pushpa 2’, the most awaited movie in Indian cinema?

A: We are aware of raising expectations and we are bound to live up to it without compromising on any aspect. We will be wrapping up the shoot by December this year and planning to release next year, considering various factors like elections and holidays. It will be another masterpiece from Allu Arjun and Sukumar and I can’t reveal more at this point of time.

Q: You have stepped into distribution with ‘Adipurush’ and ‘Bro’?

A: We wanted to study the distribution and exhibition dynamics and closely observe the changing taste of the audience. We don't intend to turn full-time distributors because our hands are full with productions.