Actor Sumanth, who awaits the release of “Naruda Donoruda” — the Telugu remake of critically-acclaimed “Vicky Donor” — feels such films are a rarity in Telugu filmdom because the filmmakers are still conservative to attempt such bold subjects.
“Telugu industry vis-a-vis other southern industries is slightly conservative when it comes to dealing with bolder subjects. Even though we have occasionally made bold films, these have been sugarcoated for commercial reasons,” Sumanth, who reprises Ayushmann Khurrana’s role in the remake, told IANS.
Directed by debutant Mallik Ram, the remake is slated for release on Friday. Sumanth is hopeful that his film will open the doors for edgier and bolder subjects.
“‘Vicky Donor’ was bold even for Bollywood, but it was well received. Since we stayed true to the original, barring minor screenplay changes to suit Telugu sensibilities, I’m sure our film will encourage filmmakers to get more creative and edgy,” he said.
Asked if Telugu audiences, who are mostly conditioned to watching commercial cinema, will accept a subject like sperm donation, Sumanth said: “There was apprehension initially but I strongly feel this is a universal subject. Infertility clinics are all over and I know people who run them. It’s one of those things nobody wants to talk about even though it’s there. When the trailer was received with enthusiasm, my slightest apprehension had gone away.”
The film also features Pallavi Subhash and Tanikella Bharani, reprising Annu Kapoor’s role.
Sumanth is all praise for veteran actor-writer Bharani.
“With all due respect to Annu Kapoor ji, I think Bharani ji was brilliant and even better. He also contributed in the writing aspect of the film with timely advice,” he said.
On working with the young director, Sumanth shared that he had known him since he worked on “Golconda High School”.
“He had worked as an assistant director on that film. He has this wry, quirky sense of humour which I thought was needed to handle a subject like ‘Vicky Donor’. Along with the sense of humour, he also has a very sensitive side. The reason I chose him was I was moved by a short film he had made on a modern-day couple. I liked his sensibility and I also realised he is very much like me,” he explained.
