Ahead of the theatrical release of 'Virupaksha' on April 21, the different characters from the pan-India mystic thriller were introduced at a special event in Hyderabad on Sunday. Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra LLP and Sukumar Writings, besides presenter Bapineedu B, confirmed that the film will be released in theatres in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.
Speaking on the occasion, Sai Dharam Tej said that he listened to the story of the film in 2019. It all started with a phone call from star director Sukumar, who is the film's writer. The 'Prati Roju Pandage' actor went in with the expectation of listening to a love story. "But director Karthik Dandu scared me by narrating a different story. I knew that the film will surely become a blockbuster hit. This is a brilliantly shot movie. Hats off to the director. Hats off to Shamdutt's camera work. And Nagendra's artwork is amazing. The world of 'Virupaksha' has been crafted wonderfully. Music director Ajaneesh Loknath has brought life to the director's vision. His BGM is amazing. The songs are so good," the Supreme Hero said.
The hero further added that the characters played by Sunil, Sai Chand ('Fidaa' fame), Brahmaji, Ajay, and heroine Samyukta Menon will be liked by the audience.
Sai Tej and the makers emphasized that the true hero of the film is its story. "Watching a horror movie is challenging in itself. And acting in a horror movie is an even bigger challenge," Tej said.
The 'Republic' actor thanked Jr NTR for lending his voice to the film's teaser.
'SIR' heroine Samyukta said, "I listened to this story two years ago. I loved this character Nandini so much and decided to do the film. I gave my life to the role. Each character has been explored in great detail. I felt very nervous on the first day of shooting. I acted barefoot for this role."
New director Karthik Dandu said that he wrote the story of 'Virupaksha' in 2018. After he narrated the story to Sukumar during the making of 'Rangasthalam', things started moving thick and fast. However, the onset of the pandemic caused delays. "After the road accident that Tej met, there was uncertainty. On the first day on the set, he was struggling with speech. All fears came to an end within a few days. I am indebted to all the technicians," he added.
Producer BVSN Prasad said that technicians are the main pillar of this film. "I have done many films till now. I have always done films that believe in. 'Virupaksha' is a universal subject. That's why we are going for a pan-India release," he added.
Actor Sai Chand said, "I have not played a spiritual role like this till now. Playing a priest had a great impact on my mind. Every day of the shoot felt so wonderful. I have previously done 'Uppena' and 'Kondapolam' with Sai Tej's brother Vaishnav Tej. Sai Tej is a very nice person."
Sunil said, "I will be seen in an age-appropriate role in this movie. After the 'Pushpa' movies, I realize that it is very difficult to play roles beyond one's age."
Brahmaji said, "We did the whole movie sincerely and intensely. 'Virupaksha' is a stand-out movie. As actors, our contribution was just ten percent. It is the technical team that worked very hard."
Comedian Abhinav said, "The audience has only seen the teaser so far. The actual movie is going to be seen on April 21. This is an unconventional movie with an awesome subject."
Cinematographer Shamdutt described 'Virupaksha' as a special movie. On his part, art director Nagendra said, "There are many films that make their actors popular. But there are a few movies where the technicians also earn their fame under the sun. 'Virupaksha' is one such movie."
