Director Krish Jagarlamudi Talks About Ghaati: Anushka Shetty's Iconic Role in Exclusive Interview
What inspired you to write an adventurous script like Ghaati?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Every film of mine feels like an adventure. With Ghaati, the idea came from Dr. Chintakinda Srinivasa Rao, a great writer whose works I admire. His story idea intrigued me, especially the concept of Ghaatils, laborers on the Andhra-Orissa border. It felt exciting and fresh, and I started developing it. The Eastern Ghats provided the perfect backdrop, offering a whole new world to explore visually and culturally.
Was Ghaati mainly created with Anushka Shetty in mind?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Yes, the role of Sheelavati was designed with Anushka in mind. After Vedam, I always wanted to work with her again. Her grace, attitude, and superstardom make her perfect for the character. The story of Ghaati is fictional, but it deals with real social issues, making it a great fit for her.
Could you elaborate on the character of Sheelavati and the film’s theme?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Sheelavati’s character is central to the film's theme of survival and identity. Ghaati addresses the social issue of marijuana, and its consequences on society. While the government tries to suppress it, marijuana continues to affect lives, and we portray the struggles of people caught in this reality. It’s a complex story filled with emotions and cinematic beauty.
Why did you choose to tell this story in the action genre?
Krish Jagarlamudi: The story naturally lent itself to the action genre because of the intense emotional and physical struggles the characters go through. The setting, characters, and the deep emotions all come together in the action sequences. It allows us to showcase the full scope of the narrative on a grand canvas.
What led to casting Vikram Prabhu as the lead?
Krish Jagarlamudi: When I wrote the character of Desiraju, I immediately thought of Vikram Prabhu. I’ve followed his career, and he was perfect for this role. Desiraju is a pure, leader-like character, and Vikram brought that authenticity and depth to the performance.
Why did you cast Chaitanya Rao as the villain in the film?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Chaitanya Rao was a natural fit for the role of Kundula Naidu. I had seen his performance in 30 Weds 20, and he had the spark needed for this villainous role. His approach to the character was so captivating that I immediately knew he was the right choice.
What can you tell us about the film's visuals and music?
Krish Jagarlamudi: For the visuals, we worked with Manoj as the DOP. The Eastern Ghaats provided a beautiful and stunning backdrop, and we made sure to capture its essence on screen. As for the music, Sagar, the composer, is incredibly talented. We wanted a fusion sound that would reflect the natural beauty and intensity of the film. The audience will experience something new and innovative with the music.
How was the experience of shooting in the Eastern Ghaats?
Krish Jagarlamudi: The Eastern Ghats were a stunning location, offering incredible natural beauty. Shooting there for the first time was an extraordinary experience. The sunrises and sunsets were breathtaking, and I want to thank Anushka and Vikram for their support during the shoot. We captured the essence of the place perfectly.
How did Sai Madhav’s contribution influence the film’s dialogue and lyrics?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Sai Madhav’s writing is simple yet profound. His dialogues and lyrics directly touch the hearts of the audience. He wrote some of the most impactful lines in Ghaati, and his words perfectly complement the film’s themes. The songs he wrote for the film are deeply emotional and integral to the story.
How supportive were the producers in making Ghaati?
Krish Jagarlamudi: Rajeev Reddy, Sai Baba Jagarlamudi, and the entire team at UV Creations were incredibly supportive throughout the project. They believed in the story and made sure that we had everything we needed to bring it to life. Anushka’s strength as an actor has been proven time and again, and she brings a great depth to her role in Ghaati.
What are your plans after the release of Ghaati?
Krish Jagarlamudi: After Ghaati, I have some new projects in the works, which we will announce post-release. We are focused on delivering a great film with Ghaati, and once it's out, we'll start planning for the next adventure.
All the best
Thank you.









