'Shakuntalam', director Gunasekhar's next with Samantha Akkineni, went on the floors today. On the occasion, a lot of important details about the project were revealed. Dil Raju would be presenting the movie.
Speaking with the media, the director said that his daughter Neelima and Dil Raju would be producing the mythological on DRP-Gunaa Teamworks (Dil Raju Productions and Gunaa Teamworks). He said that the ace producer has assured him of full support no matter what is the budget of the film.
He expressed happiness over Samantha coming on board to do the movie. "Samantha has put in all her efforts and learned everything needed for this film four months ago itself. She learned classical dances too. My daughter Neelima is very strong that she will debut as a producer with a timeless classical love story. It is she who selected Dev Mohan as Dushyanth. He okayed after knowing everything about the story. He trained in horse riding and sword fighting for this film. You will witness real Shakuntala and Dushyanth in the film," the director said.
Producer Dil Raju said, "Samantha's manager Mahindra approached me to talk about 'Shakuntalam'. I came to know that Gunasekhar Garu is producing the film himself. I wished someone should back him and told the same to Mahindra. He asked me whether I join the project. I told him, okay but I need to listen to the story first. I watched the 'Okkadu' film in Sathyam Theatre on its release day. I wished to make a film like that. But, my wish didn't fulfill. My desire to make these kinds of films started there. It's not an easy task to do a historical film like 'Shakuntalam'. By then, Samantha has okayed the film. So, I imagined her while listening to the story narrated by Gunasekhar." He revealed that the film will release in theatres in 2022.
Samantha Akkineni said, " I always have a small dissatisfaction. I felt like I am not able to do some kind of role. I did all kinds of roles like Romantic, Villain, Action... But my dream role is a periodical, the role of a Princess. I still watch Disney films. It's a great gift to me to offer this role to me during this point of my career."
Crew details:
Music and cinematography are by Mani Sharma and Sekhar V Joseph, respectively. Ashok Kumar is taking care of art direction. Costumes are by Bollywood designer Neeta Lulla. Dialogues are by 'RRR' fame Sai Madhav Burra. Dance choreography is by Raju Sundaram. VFX Supervision is by Alagar Saamy. Stunts are by Venkat.
