I Believe Robin Hood Will Be the Best Movie of My Career: Director Venky Kudumula
Hero Nithiin’s highly anticipated heist comedy entertainer Robin Hood features Sreeleela as the female lead. Directed by Venky Kudumula, this film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers on a high budget. Veteran actor Kireeti Rajendra Prasad plays a key role, and Australian cricketer David Warner appears in a special cameo. The promotional content released so far has generated massive buzz, and the songs composed by GV Prakash Kumar have become chartbusters. The film is set to release in theaters on March 28.
On this occasion, director Venky Kudumula shared insights about the film in a press meet.
How did the journey of Robin Hood begin?
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After Bheeshma, I initially developed a story for Chiranjeevi Garu. When I first shared the idea with him, he was very excited. Being a fanboy of Chiranjeevi, I took my time to develop the story and screenplay meticulously. However, at some point, I felt I couldn’t completely satisfy him with the script, so I decided to come back with another story.
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Later, I met Nithiin Anna. I usually write stories based on the hero I have in mind. I already had the Robin Hood concept, and once I decided on Nithiin Anna, I tailored the story to suit him.
How was it working with Nithiin again after Bheeshma?
We built a comfortable working relationship during Bheeshma. Before that, I had also worked as an associate director for A Aa, so I had known Nithiin Anna for a long time. The journey of Robin Hood was wonderful as well.
What kind of character does the hero play?
The hero is a manipulator who believes in mental strength over physical strength. In the first 20 minutes of the movie, there will be various entertaining get-ups to introduce the character. After that, the story takes a different turn and becomes very unique. I strongly believe this will be the best movie in both Nithiin’s career and mine. The film is filled with fun at regular intervals, making it a complete entertainer for the entire family.
What can you tell us about David Warner’s role?
We wanted an international star for a cameo role. When the producers asked for suggestions, I immediately mentioned David Warner because I love cricket and admire his game. I didn’t think it would be possible, but producer Ravi Garu took it seriously and arranged a meeting. I was surprised! I met Warner in Delhi and presented the idea, and he was very excited.
Warner is a family man. He initially started making reels to entertain his kids, and that became a habit. He acted very confidently in the film, and that confidence is what makes his reels so engaging too.
What about Rajendra Prasad’s character?
Rajendra Prasad Garu plays a very important role in this film. He runs a security agency, and the hero manipulates him into entering a serious world, where he unknowingly gets trapped. Right from the moment I wrote the character, I could only imagine Rajendra Prasad Garu in the role.
How is Sreeleela’s character?
There is a difference between having talent and assuming you have talent. Sreeleela’s character falls into the latter category (laughs). She plays an overly intellectual girl, and her role is filled with comedy and entertainment.
What about GV Prakash’s music?
I always wanted to work with him. He is a composer who delivers music at the right time. The response to the songs has been excellent, and the background score is extraordinary. Even the surprise song in the film fits well into the story.
How was Ketika Sharma selected for the special song?
The producers initially wanted to feature Ketika Sharma in a special number for Pushpa, but it didn’t work out. When the opportunity came for this film, we felt she would be perfect, so we went ahead with her.
You had ample time before the film’s release. Did you use it to improve the movie?
Absolutely. We got a lot of time to refine the film. The quality of the music and post-production improved significantly, and we are bringing the movie to audiences with top-notch quality.
Why is Robin Hood the perfect title for this film?
A hero who stands up for those in need is a true Robin Hood. This title perfectly suits our story, which also carries a strong message.
What about the action sequences in the film?
I always wanted to work with Ram-Lakshman Masters. They choreographed the interval block, while Vikram More Master, Real Satish Garu, and Ravi Varma Master also contributed to the action design. The action sequences have turned out exceptionally well.
How was your experience working with Mythri Movie Makers?
Once Mythri Movie Makers approve a story, they don’t worry about anything else. Their support is incredible, and they never compromise on the production quality.
Nithiin’s podcast went viral. Would you consider including such a sequence in your film?
It worked well because it was done separately. If we include it in a movie without proper context, it won’t have the same impact.
People say your dialogues resemble Trivikram’s style. How do you feel about that?
That is the biggest compliment I could receive. I see him as my guru and have worked on one of his films. I’ve learned a lot from him.
What kind of genre would you like to explore in the future?
I love fairytale-like stories. I would like to make a film with a fantasy touch.
Will you collaborate with Chiranjeevi in the future?
Definitely! I will make a movie with Chiranjeevi Garu someday.
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