'Kota Bommali PS', directed by Teja Marni of 'Arjuna Phalguna' fame, stars Rahul Vijay and Shivani Rajasekhar in lead roles. Starring Srikanth and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in pivotal roles, the film is produced by Bunny Vass and Vidya Koppineedi under Geetha Arts2 banner. The film is going to release in theaters on November 24. The unit is handling film promotions innovatively.
On Monday, the pre-release ceremony of this film was held in a grand manner in Hyderabad under the name of 'Kota Bommali PS Prachara Sabha'. The engaging event witnessed something unique. For a change, journalists took questions from filmmakers instead of it being the other way round.
Mega producer Allu Aravind said, "Police chasing other policemen is what this film is about. That's what makes it different from other films. There is no hero in this movie. The story itself is the hero. I thank Boyapati Srinu for being here today despite being a busy man. Srikanth is close to me. He started out big with our film 'Pelli Sandadi'. Rahul's father Vijay started out as a fight master under our banner. How are politicians making puppets out of policemen? That's what this film brings out. This film doesn't intend to target any leader or police officer. The film raises its voice against the entire system prevalent across the country. It is just a coincidence that this film is coming out in the election season. My contribution has only been in selecting the story and in giving input in the edit room. The rest of the responsibility has been taken by Bunny Vass, Vidya, Bhanu and Riyaz. Introducing actors is something all production houses do. I am happy to be honing new producers under the aegis of Geetha Arts. 'Baby' producers came out from us. I hope many more are made in the future."
Chief guest Boyapati Sreenu began his speech by talking about 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi' and its popularity. "Usually the film's dialogues, visuals, teaser and trailer do the job of popularizing a film. In this case, a song has done that. I have watched the trailer for this movie and I must say that the film conveys its convictions effectively," he added. The 'Akhanda' maker praised the film's cast and crew, and particularly talked about Shivani Rajasekhar and Rahul Vijay. He added that the 'Kota Bommali Prachara Sabha' was an interesting event.
Successful producer Dil Raju said that Srikanth had to work on 'Game Changer' while doing 'Kota Bommali PS', resulting in a delay in the shoot of the latter to an extent. He described the film as a commercial outing with an interesting concept. He added that his 16-months-old son enjoys listening to 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi'. "I have continuously been listening to the song since my wife told me about it. The song has surely ensured hype for the movie," Dil Raju added, hoping that the movie becomes a solid hit upon its release on November 24.
Producer Bunny Vass said that the movie has been written without filters. He added that Allu Aravind's guidance helped them maintain moderation in making the film in such a way that it doesn't hurt anybody. "Thanks to the strength he gave us, we could write some things in a frank manner. This film shows how a small incident blows up and becomes the main talking point at the time of elections. This is a thought-provoking movie. Director Teja Marni has a great future ahead," he added.
'Baby' producer SKN said that Geetha Arts is to production houses what Charminar is to Hyderabad and Taj Mahal is to Agra. "This banner has introduced so many heroes, directors and technicians. Thanks to this banner, Rahul, Shivani, director Teja, producer Vidya garu and co-producer are advancing to the next stage. 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi' is the reason why 'Kota Bommali PS' has reached every street and gully. I want to know what political messaging this film is going to come up with about contemporary politics. Those who don't give even a Frooti bottle after winning the election promise to give a scooty before the election. I want to know how this film is going to bring out all this," he added.
'Baby' director Sai Rajesh spoke of the care taken by Allu Aravind in honing the careers of the individuals he likes. "Many individuals who are close to my heart have worked on this movie. Co-Producer Bhanu is my friend. I hope this project becomes huge for him. I wish Vijay Master, Shivani, Rahul all the best. Teja Marni deserves a huge hit. I hope Dheeraj and Vidya akka go on to become big producers. Bunny Vass garu is our strength. He is always there for us," he added.
Srikanth said that the story is the hero of the film. "You will see only my character Ramakrishna while watching the movie. The treatment is so natural. I see Geetha Arts as my own banner because of 'Pelli Sandadi', 'Pellam Oorelithe', and 'Sarrainodu'. When Bunny Vass garu narrated the story to me, it was so clear that I asked him why he was not wielding the megaphone. I will remember 'Kota Bommali PS' for a long time," he added.
Hero Rahul Vijay said, "Everyone dreams of working with Geetha Arts in the industry. I never imagined that the opportunity would come my way this early in my career. I accepted the offer without listening to the story. Bunny Vass garu treated me with so much respect. A week after the shoot began, I met with an accident. I thought I would be replaced. But the makers waited for me till my recovery. If I got to learn so much from this movie, that's because of Teja Marni garu. Visuals, background score, dialogues, dances and music are perfect in this film. The BGM is especially solid. The dialogues are highly effective."
Heroine Shivani Rajasekhar said that she felt lucky to work with Teja Marni after having watched 'Johar'. "Shooting for this movie was not easy, because we shot in tough terrain. But all that gave me a kick. It was a joy working with Rahul and Srikanth garu. It was fun shooting in Araku. Jagadeesh garu's visuals are amazing. 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi' is great. We are proud to present 'Kota Bommali PS' to all the Telugu people across the world. Please watch this movie only in theatres. Don't encourage piracy," she added.
Director Teja Marni thanked the producers for trusting him with the project. He revealed that 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi' was written off by a lyricist who refused to change a particular line. Post the song's release, the song became a sensation. 'Kota Bommali PS', story-wise, brings out how the police system has been gamed by the political system. "Everyone with a Voter ID needs to watch this movie. You will know why I am saying this on November 24. The producers have pushed me towards the best. I worked with greater conviction on this project. This film is an emotional thriller. If the first half is thrilling, the second half is emotional," he added.
Dialogue writer Nagendra Kasi said that producer Bunny Vass appreciated his writing right from the first day. He lauded the writing style and treatment sense of director Marni. "The dialogues are going to receive applause in theatres. Every word in this film is measured and purposive," he added.
Music director Ranjin Raj said, "This is my first Telugu film. I am happy to be getting introduced with a brilliant movie. It is a dream debut, thanks to Geetha Arts producing it. We have carried out a few experiments in 'Kota Bommali PS'. This November 24, the audience are in for a wow experience."
Cinematographer Jagadeesh Cheekati said that Geetha Arts is synonymous with commercial and creative content. He added that he received all the support from the director and the producers.
Choreographer Vijay thanked the audience for making 'Lingi Lingi Lingidi' such a huge hit. "I am proud to have worked with Geetha Arts. I have choreographed two songs in this movie," he added.
