Hanu-Man has potential to woo pan-India viewers, says Prashanth Varma

New-age Telugu director Prashanth Varma is hopeful of making a mark among Hindi film viewers with his much-hyped socio fantasy ‘Hanu-Man’ since its teaser and trailer triggered a lot of interest. He is teaming up with Bollywood distributor Anil Thadani to release the film in over 1200 theatres in major cities and towns across India. “I am a bit confident about striking a chord with Hindi viewers,” says Prashanth Varma in a exclusive chat with Deccan Chronicle

You are releasing the Hindi version of ‘Hanu-Man’ in over 1200 theatres across India, quite an ambitious plan for a Telugu filmmaker?

Initially, my plan was to make a superhero film in Telugu revolving around Lord Hanuman but after the release of the teaser, the film turned into a pan-India fare. Though many Bollywood distributors approached me to make it into pan-India film, I chose to work with ace Bollywood distributor Anil Thadani for his reputation and network. He has been sharing valuable tips and guiding me to connect better with pan-India viewers and our trailer has rocked the internet. The film will be releasing in Mumbai, Delhi and UP besides many other places and the count of theatres will cross 1200-odd in the days to come.

Barring ‘Pushpa,’ many Telugu films like ‘Virupaksha’ and ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao' failed to impress Hindi viewers? Are you bit nervous?

I don’t want to talk about other films but I do know that ‘Pushpa’ did very well among North Indian viewers. Frankly, it has become difficult to judge which film would work with Hindi viewers or not these days. However, I am bit confident than nervous due to ‘Lord Hanuman’ factor in our film. It is also story of an underdog (Tejja Sajja) who rises to an occasion. It is perfect blend of human spirit and divine interference and the socio-fantasy has enough appeal to strike a chord with non-Telugu viewers. Actually, we planned to spend Rs 10 crores for publicity in north India but we managed with just Rs 5 crores since teaser and trailer became very popular and connected with Hindi viewers. .

You haven’t revealed Lord Hanuman avatar in your film?

I would like to give audience a pleasant surprise so keeping cards close to my chest. You have to wait until the release of the film since that’s kind a trump card for me and my film. However, I would assure that Lord Hanuman in our movie would be adored by one and all. Already, we showed Hanuman avatar to kids, elders and historians and received terrific approval. Lord Hanuman will be depicted as he is etched in the minds of people for hundreds of years.

You seem to have few issues with theatres in Telugu states due to competition from ‘Guntur Kaaram’ and ‘Saindhav’ for Sankranthi?

It is true that we had a few issues with getting more theatres in two Telugu states and I am hopeful it would be resolved soon. We announced the release of our film during Sankranthi holidays long back since our film is meant for whole family. As I have agreements with Bollywood distributors and exhibitors and in other languages, I have to release on January 12, 2024 even with limited numbers of theatres in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. I am hopeful of our film having a longer run and make up for initial collections in the Telugu states.