“Mahesh Said ‘Ee Saari Kodutunnaru Sir’, Prabhas Said ‘Kodutunnav Bava’ After Watching Agadha” – MS Raju
Director MS Raju Confident About His Mystic Divine Thriller Agadha
Director and producer MS Raju is gearing up for the theatrical release of his upcoming film Agadha, a mystic divine thriller that promises to blend supernatural elements with fantasy, emotion and commercial entertainment. Produced by Kashi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Adi Varaha Productions banner and presented by Ajay KR, the film features Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijayakumar, Bhanu Chander, Shiju, Vanitha Vijayakumar, Roshan Basheer, Shreya Rani Reddy, Viva Raghava, Robert Master, Arna Muller and Kanakamma in key roles.
Agadha is slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on August 14. Ahead of the release, MS Raju interacted with the media and spoke about the film, its concept, research, VFX, distribution plans, his relationship with leading Telugu stars and his confidence in the movie.
What does ‘Agadha’ mean?
MS Raju explained that the title Agadha refers to something deep and mysterious, with the film exploring forces that are beyond what humans can ordinarily see or understand.
“Many people searched online to find out what ‘Agadha’ means after the title was announced. It can be understood as something deep or an abyss. We have never actually seen God or supernatural forces with our own eyes. Agadha revolves around the forces that exist between such mysterious realms,” he said.
According to the director, the film is not restricted to horror alone. While youth and mass audiences may drive the initial theatrical openings, he believes strong word of mouth will bring family audiences to theatres as well.
“During the pre-release event, Shyam Prasad Reddy said that the MS Raju he knows does not make films with only horror elements and that there would always be several other layers. That statement showed how well he understands me. Agadha is not merely about fear or horror. It has several different elements,” Raju explained.
He added that the film portrays a dark force that works against the divine.
Extensive research behind Agadha
MS Raju revealed that he undertook extensive research while developing Agadha and travelled to several places as part of the process.
“I did a lot of research for Agadha and travelled to many places. But the audience doesn’t need to know all those details. I wanted to make the film entertaining for everyone rather than turn it into an art film. I combined the realities I observed with my imagination to create a cinematic experience,” he said.
The director also recalled the difficulties he faced during the making of Devi and said he felt a similar force guiding him during the journey of Agadha.
“During Devi, I faced several financial problems, but somehow a certain power kept pushing me forward. I felt a similar force guiding me throughout the journey of Agadha. I wanted to make a film about a dark force in a way that would connect with the current generation,” he said.
Raju added that he consciously designed the movie to appeal not only to single-screen audiences but also to multiplex viewers.
“After watching Agadha, I felt it would succeed”
MS Raju expressed unusual confidence in the film and said he openly stated his belief in its success after watching the final product.
“I have never openly come on stage and said that my film is good. But after watching Agadha, I genuinely felt that the film was good and would succeed. That is exactly what I said. I strongly believe that audiences will also feel the same after watching the movie,” he said.
VFX will be one of the highlights
Speaking about the visual effects, the filmmaker said he personally monitors every frame and every department of his films.
“I focus on every frame. Unless I have complete clarity, I don’t move forward. There is a lot of personal involvement from me in every film I make. I think about every craft. Even when I was a producer, I used to discuss the story and other aspects with directors, and they would also consider my suggestions,” Raju said.
He added that the VFX standards visible in the teaser and trailer offer only a glimpse of what audiences can expect from the actual film.
“The VFX work in the film is on a much bigger scale than what you have seen in the teaser and trailer,” he revealed.
Clarification on his comments about NTR
Addressing criticism on social media regarding his recent comments about legendary actor N. T. Rama Rao, MS Raju clarified that his remarks were made out of admiration and were intended in a light-hearted manner.
“I have never woken up at three in the morning to work on any film before. But for Agadha, I used to wake up at 3 AM, inspired by NTR garu. While explaining that, I mentioned something that is already popularly known about him in a humorous way. My comments came purely from my immense admiration for him,” he explained.
Raju also recalled his family’s association with NTR and spoke about the legendary actor’s discipline and commitment.
“My father had a very good relationship with NTR garu. He even had an opportunity to work with him, but unfortunately, it was missed at the last moment because of elections. I have personally seen NTR garu’s commitment and discipline,” he added.
Agadha attracted interest from major players
MS Raju revealed that the team initially planned to retain the film rather than immediately sell its distribution rights. However, interest increased significantly after the trailer was released.
“We initially decided not to give Agadha to anyone. But after the trailer was released, many people started calling us. The Hombale team from Karnataka also contacted us. Some people from Geetha Arts and Annapurna Studios came and watched the film,” he revealed.
The director said the current plan is to release the film in Telugu first before expanding it into other languages. The dubbing work in all languages has already been completed.
“We want to release it here first and then take it to other languages. The dubbing work for all languages is complete. I have also said that we will give the film to OTT only after 60 days. That deal is currently on hold,” he said.
“Mahesh said, ‘Ee Saari Kodutunnaru Sir’”
MS Raju also opened up about his equation with the leading heroes he has worked with and revealed encouraging reactions from Mahesh Babu and Prabhas after they watched the promotional material of Agadha.
“I maintain a good relationship with all my artists. After watching the teaser and trailer of Agadha, Mahesh Babu garu sent me a voice message saying, ‘Ee Saari Kodutunnaru Sir’ (You are going to hit it this time, sir). Prabhas told me, ‘Kodutunnav Bava’ (You are going to rock it, brother-in-law),” he shared.
Raju also recalled meeting Venkatesh during Trivikram Srinivas’ shoot.
“I met Venkatesh while he was shooting with Trivikram. He spoke to me very affectionately. The fans of all my heroes have always supported me,” he added.
Focusing on writing and filmmaking
On whether he plans to return to production, MS Raju said his current priority is storytelling and filmmaking rather than taking on financial responsibilities.
“Right now, I am concentrating on story, screenplay, writing and making. I don’t want to get involved in financial matters at this stage. During Dirty Hari and Agadha, my friends came forward and said they would take care of the production. That helped me reduce the financial burden and focus completely on the story and writing,” he said.
Is Agadha 2 already planned?
When asked about a possible sequel or prequel, MS Raju remained tight-lipped but confirmed that the world of Agadha offers scope for another chapter.
“After Agadha releases, I will reveal whether it will have a prequel or a sequel. There is definitely scope for it. For now, I can only say that Agadha is a mystic divine thriller. It has been made to appeal to audiences across all sections,” he concluded.
With its supernatural premise, extensive research, high-end VFX and MS Raju’s confidence in the final product, Agadha is gearing up for a theatrical release on August 14.
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