12 March 2023
Hyderabad
Nani-starrer Dasara is one of the anticipated projects of the year. Ever since its first look was unveiled last March, the excitement surrounding the film has only increased. With three songs from the album and teaser already doing a world of good on the promotional front for the film, all eyes are on the film’s box-office prospects when it opens in cinemas on March 30.
But did you ever wonder how Nani handed over the reins of directing an Rs 70 crore budget flick, his highest until date, to a rank newcomer? Here’s the story: Srikanth, like his mentor Sukumar, is not a natural orator. An introvert, he narrated the story of Dasara to Nani in four hours and in his own style. The actor felt that the characters are like the ones Srikanth might have met, seen or studied in real life. He was impressed with the story.
But then will Srikanth be able to translate his vision on to the screen effectively? Does he have the finesse of visual storytelling as he is inexperienced? These things were playing at the back of Nani’s mind but he trusted his gut. He handed over Srikanth a small amount of money that doesn’t even bear the expenses of a short film. As a task, Srikanth was given a couple of scenes from Dasara to film. One is a casual conversational scene and the other one has a lot of scope for adrenaline rush.
Srikanth went back to his hometown, picked cast from his friends and acquaintances. He shot those two scenes and showed the output to Nani, who was sold, promising the young director that he would be making Dasara on a lavish scale. Also, he assured Srikanth the best of technicians to create the world of the film.
Also featuring Keerthy Suresh, Sai Kumar, Zarina Wahab, Samuthirakani, Tom Chacko (Malayalam), Deekshith Shetty (Kannada) and Poorna, Dasara, a Sudhakar Cherukuri production, will be releasing in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi simultaneously. The trailer drops this Tuesday.
