How did the journey of Jatadhara begin?
I always wanted to make a Telugu film because I deeply admire Telugu cinema and culture. Even though I’ve been producing Hindi films, Telugu movies have always inspired me. I watched Ram Charan’s Orange, and that sparked my passion for Telugu storytelling. Later, through Sudheer Babu, I met directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal. When they narrated the story of Jatadhara, I instantly loved it that’s how this journey started.
What makes Jatadhara a unique cinematic experience?
Jatadhara beautifully blends family emotions, supernatural thrill, and mythological depth. It’s a true pan-India concept that offers a stunning visual experience. The movie has a universal appeal because of its emotional and spiritual layers, and that’s why we decided to make it in both Telugu and Hindi.
How was your experience working with Sudheer Babu?
I’m a big admirer of Sudheer Babu. He’s extremely hardworking and passionate. For my first Telugu project, working with him has been special. He performed some physically and emotionally intense scenes with full dedication. His performance will surely stay with the audience long after watching the movie.
How did Sonakshi Sinha react when she heard the story?
When I first heard the script, I knew it had to be made in Hindi as well. Sonakshi is a phenomenal actress, and when she heard the story, she was immediately on board. Her role as Dhana Pishachi is powerful and memorable. She wore elaborate costumes, prepared deeply for the part, and performed action sequences alongside Sudheer Babu that will thrill audiences.
Does Jatadhara have any mythological inspiration?
Yes, the story draws inspiration from ancient Indian mythology, especially the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. There’s a concept called Nagabandham, which fascinated us and influenced the script. I love reading Puranas, and Lord Venkateswara is my favorite deity. Viewers will find divine and black magic elements beautifully woven into the storyline.
The trailer showcases strong VFX. Tell us about that.
Around 60% of the film’s visuals are live, and 40% involve VFX. We used computer graphics only where necessary. The goal was to make it look natural, and I’m proud to say it feels seamless. The audience will experience it as if everything is real that’s the strength of our visual storytelling.
Shilpa Shirodkar plays an important role in the film. What can you tell us about her part?
I met Shilpa Shirodkar around the time she was participating in Bigg Boss. After the show, I narrated this role to her. She loved it immediately. Her character is deeply emotional and has a strong impact on the story. Her performance is one of the film’s emotional highlights.
Will Jatadhara have a sequel?
Absolutely. I can’t say whether it will be a direct sequel or a continuation, but the universe of Jatadhara will definitely expand. We’re already planning another Telugu movie with a big star, and details will be revealed soon.
Tell us about your collaboration with Zee Studios.
My journey with Zee Studios has been excellent since our film Rustum. They’ve been incredible partners. With Jatadhara, we’ve strengthened that collaboration. Going forward, I’m also keen on working with Telugu production houses for future projects.
