Ace distributor-turned-exhibitor Sunil Narang has turned into a full-fledged producer with the blockbuster ‘Love Story’ and has lined up big-ticket movies. He claims that his film with Tamil superstar Dhanush and Sekhar Kammula will be a massive production with the biggest casting as it is a pan-India movie. He also talks about teaming up with superstars like Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun for swanky multiplexes in the city and also about Sudharshan 70 mm’s revamped look. He shares his future plans with Deccan Chronicle.
We learnt that your next film with Tamil superstar Dhanush, and director Sekar Kammula will be made with a Rs 100 cr budget?
Tamil superstar Dhanush is an actor-par-excellence and could pull off any kind of role with consummate ease. His popularity has spread all over the world. Hence, director Sekar Kammula is weaving an engaging and exciting script to suit his stardom and also to reach out to pan-India viewers in a big way. It will boast of big casting with top actors from various industries including Bollywood. It will go on floors in December with a huge budget, although I can’t disclose the figures, it will be one of the biggest ones in Telugu cinema.
You seem to prefer to work with ace director Sekhar Kammula?
He is one of the best directors in Telugu cinema and we are happy to be associated with him. He gave the blockbuster ‘Love Story’ for our maiden production and we share a great rapport. Besides, he is a great human being who remains simple and friendly, despite his success. He is a perfectionist, so things take some time, but he cuts down wastage and unnecessary expenses for producers, unlike others. We are hoping to work with him for another film. Let’s see.
How are you able to rope in stars like Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun for your swanky multiplexes?
It is mutually beneficial and doing business with them is great. AMB with Mahesh Babu and AAA with Allu Arjun has triggered a lot of hype and excitement among fans and viewers. Venkatesh has always been with us and we together are revamping Sudharshan 70 mm in RTC crossroads along with others. We intend to provide a perfect ambience and a great film-viewing experience for cine-goers. With names of big stars associated with theatres, we ensure a neat and clean environment. We also developed an open-air theatre that provides space for 150-odd cars with GMR to give film viewers a vow experience.
Have you given up on distribution after becoming a busy exhibitor?
Not really. We will be releasing Chiranjeevi’s “Bholaa Shankar’ and Rajnikanth’s “Jailer”, besides dubbed movies like ‘Nayakudu’ and ‘Mahaveerudu’. Of course, distribution rates have gone up, but our distribution wing is as active as ever. On the production side, we are planning a big-ticket movie with Rana Daggupati soon.
