“Irumudi Will Showcase a Completely New Ravi Teja”: Director Shiva Nirvana
“The film blends family emotion, crime and the Ayyappa Mala backdrop in a completely fresh way. Audiences will experience a new Ravi Teja in ‘Irumudi’ and the film will certainly live up to expectations,” says director Shiva Nirvana.
Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja’s much-awaited film ‘Irumudi’ is gearing up for its worldwide theatrical release on August 21. Directed by Shiva Nirvana and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film stars Priya Bhavani Shankar as the female lead. The promotional material, including the glimpses, trailer and songs, has already generated strong curiosity among audiences.
Set against the backdrop of the Ayyappa Mala tradition, ‘Irumudi’ combines family emotions with a crime angle and promises to offer a distinctive cinematic experience. Ahead of the release, director Shiva Nirvana interacted with the media and spoke about Ravi Teja’s character, the film’s unique backdrop, the extensive research behind the story, the ‘Mallepoola Pallaki’ song, locations and much more.
There are reports that Ram Charan will make an appearance in ‘Irumudi’. Is there any truth to them?
Shiva Nirvana: No, that is just social media speculation. Ram Charan is an Ayyappa devotee and has that spiritual vibe, so perhaps fans started imagining him as part of the film. But there is no truth to the reports that Charan appears in ‘Irumudi’. I hope he likes the film when he watches it.
The title and promotional content have created huge expectations. Will the film live up to them?
The film has three important layers. One is the Ayyappa Mala backdrop, the second is the family emotion, and the third is the crime angle. We planned the promotions according to these layers and gradually revealed different aspects of the film.
By the time the trailer was released, audiences got a clear idea about the world of ‘Irumudi’ and what they can expect from it. I believe the film will definitely live up to the expectations.
Ravi Teja looks completely different in the film. What kind of preparation went into presenting him this way?
When you tell a story based on a subject that has rarely been explored, an actor brings one level of reach to it. When a star like Ravi Teja takes up such a subject, the story can reach every household.
The Ayyappa Mala backdrop, family emotions and the new setting required a very different presentation. Ravi Teja was the perfect choice for this character. His personality, beard and screen presence suited the role beautifully.
Did the first look invite comparisons with the Malayalam film ‘Malikappuram’?
Films based on the Ayyappa Swamy backdrop are very rare, especially in the South. Earlier, there were very few films that touched upon this subject. When you explore a relatively uncommon backdrop, comparisons with films that have previously dealt with similar elements are natural.
There were comparisons with ‘Malikappuram’, but I did not really worry about them because I know exactly what my film is about. After the trailer came out, audiences understood the content and the difference became clear. People themselves are saying that ‘Irumudi’ is a unique film. A film with this particular combination and backdrop has not been made before.
You personally undertook a lot of research for the Ayyappa Mala backdrop. What did that involve?
Once I decided to tell this story, I spoke to many people and tried to understand every aspect of the Ayyappa Mala tradition. Even after speaking to several people, I felt there was still more to learn.
So, I personally wore the Ayyappa Mala for the film. I attended Padipoojas in Film Nagar, met Guruswamis and also visited Sabarimala earlier with director Hanu Raghavapudi. We paid attention to several details, including the Mangal Harathi, bhajans and the way devotees wear rudraksha beads.
We wanted everything connected to the Ayyappa Mala tradition in the film to feel authentic.
Did you have Ravi Teja in mind when you first conceived the story?
No. When I initially conceived the story, I did not have any particular actor in mind. But once I narrated it to Ravi Teja, I felt that he was perfectly suited for the role. His beard and natural aura worked wonderfully for the character.
Ravi Teja is a very cool person. Once he approves a story, he gives the director complete freedom. He never puts pressure on anyone and does not take unnecessary pressure himself.
Tell us about the ‘Mallepoola Pallaki’ song.
‘Mallepoola Pallaki’ has received an amazing response. It crossed 9 million views within just two days of its release.
Since the story is set against the Ayyappa Mala backdrop, bhajans and devotional songs are naturally part of the world. While researching for the film, I asked an Ayyappa devotee from the Seeleru region which song devotees commonly sing there. He mentioned ‘Mallepoola Pallaki’.
We shot the film with that song in mind. Later, many people requested us to include it in the film. It was wonderful to see that what we wanted and what the audience wanted were exactly the same.
Why did you retain the original singer, Dappu Srinu?
Devotees have been singing this song during Padipoojas for nearly 15 years. So, we wanted to handle it with great care and respect.
The entire team felt that it would be special if the same voice that people have been listening to all these years continued with the song. GV Prakash Kumar could have brought any singer from across the country, but we wanted to respect the emotional connection devotees have with the original version.
That is why we recorded the song with Dappu Srinu garu, who originally sang it. He was around 45 when he first recorded it and is now 60. Naturally, there will be some difference in energy. But his voice gives the song a sense of authenticity and emotional continuity. I believe audiences will experience a special energy when they hear it in theatres.
How was your experience working with cinematographer Vishnu Sharma?
Vishnu Sharma is an excellent cinematographer. Ravi Teja and I both work at a fast pace, so we needed a cinematographer who could match that energy. Vishnu worked with the same speed and gave us some fantastic visuals.
The visuals we captured in Seeleru will transport audiences directly into the world of the story.
How did you select Baby Nakshatra for the role?
The character required a lot of naturality. She had to feel like a child from our own household. While searching for someone suitable, we came across her Instagram reels.
The character of Manemma needed a certain earthy, natural quality. We conducted a look test and shot a couple of videos with her. We immediately felt that Nakshatra was perfect for the role.
Your earlier films such as ‘Ninnu Kori’, ‘Majili’ and ‘Kushi’ had your distinctive emotional style. Why did you choose such a different story this time?
My intention has always been to tell every story with intensity. Films like ‘Ninnu Kori’ and ‘Majili’ remain memorable because their emotions stay with audiences.
Even after I leave the film industry someday, I want my stories to be remembered. That kind of intensity is possible in love stories, but I found an equally powerful human drama within the crime angle of ‘Irumudi’.
The Ayyappa Mala tradition itself has tremendous human drama. Once devotees wear the Mala, they follow the discipline with immense devotion and fear of doing anything wrong. Even people who may make mistakes in their daily lives become extremely disciplined during the period of the Mala Deeksha.
We have explored that human drama through Ravi Teja’s character. The screenplay revolves around how his character behaves while he is wearing the Mala and how his life and behaviour change outside that period. That contrast creates a very interesting dramatic situation.
‘ Irumudi’ is essentially a strong family emotional drama set against the Ayyappa Mala backdrop. It is a story set in that world, but it is not a story about Ayyappa Swamy.
What can you tell us about Sai Kumar’s character?
Sai Kumar garu plays the role of a Guruswamy and has done an excellent job. His appearance and personality perfectly complement the character.
We heard that you directed some of the montage portions yourself. Is that true?
Yes. That has been my habit since my first film. While shooting, I capture certain montage moments and later use them during editing.
It helps me establish the atmosphere of a particular place or village and makes audiences feel as though they are travelling through that world along with the story. I have followed this approach since ‘Ninnu Kori’.
How supportive were Mythri Movie Makers?
Naveen garu and Ravi garu give directors a lot of freedom. They trust me because they know that I work quickly while keeping the budget in mind.
We shot in Seeleru with around 250 people, which was not an easy task. The production team provided tremendous support throughout the shoot.
Was ‘Irumudi’ always the title you had in mind?
Yes. The title has a connection with the different layers of the story. There is a knot between the father and daughter, another between the Ayyappa devotee and the Mala, and another connected to the crime element.
These different emotional and narrative knots come together, which is why I felt ‘Irumudi’ was the perfect title.
Tell us about the locations.
We shot extensively in rural locations. Usually, filmmakers shoot in the villages of Kerala and recreate them to suit an Andhra setting. Sukumar garu travelled all the way to Maredumilli for ‘Rangasthalam’. Tourism has increased considerably there now.
For ‘Irumudi’, we travelled nearly two hours beyond Maredumilli to reach the Seeleru region on the Andhra-Odisha border. The place is surrounded by mountains, forests and greenery, making it visually stunning.
I would like to sincerely thank Seeleru Balaji garu, Kolluru Ramanamurthy garu and the local people for their tremendous cooperation and support. Without their help, creating the world of ‘Irumudi’ would not have been possible.
Read Also: Agadha Review: Mystic Thriller Falls Short on Thrills