Actor Anand Deverakonda discusses his new Telugu comedy ‘Pushpaka Vimanam’, and talks about dealing with trolling at an early stage of his career
Actor Anand Deverakonda is a bit nervous ahead of the theatrical release of his new Telugu comedy thriller, Pushpak Vimanam, on 12 November. His last film, middle class tune, was a massive hit, going from the warm response it received during the pandemic to a direct digital release. But a theatrical release is a different animal altogether.
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While returning to Hyderabad after promotions in Guntur and Vizag, Anand himself asked the director (debutant Damodar) and others if the film would work at the box office: “Having worked so closely with the project, I find it difficult to be objective. Guess and gauge how people will get it,” he says.
Pushpak Vimanam He was offered the film soon after his debut Dorasani (2019). Anand was enthralled by the visit of Nayak, a school teacher in a government school who has romantic notions about marriage, and is shattered when his wife runs away: “He believes that marriage is a beautiful institution. To deal with mindless allies and society, he weaves a ruse to make people believe that he is indeed leading a happy married life.
The title goes back to director Singitam Srinivasa Rao’s 1987 silent dark comedy Pushpak plane:, starring Kamal Haasan and Amala Akkineni. “Damodar contacted Singetam sir to inform about the title. In that film, the title was an allegory of Kamal Haasan’s dream of a luxurious life. The tangible reference comes from a hotel named Pushpak. In our film, the title is an allegory of my character’s journey to marriage. Incidentally, there is a travel agency named Pushpak in the film.”
Anand Deverakonda and Geet Saini in ‘Pushpak Vimanam’
This fictional story came to the fore when the director saw several news clippings of marriage breakdown. He wrote a comedy and narrated it to someone, only to learn that certain events of the story had happened in the listener’s life. The comedy progresses into a thriller, unraveling the mystery of the missing wife. “My character, Sundar, is going through a depressing situation, but his plight leads to comedy,” says Anand, “He is an introvert and is always neatly dressed and believes that teachers are important to society. Respect should be commanded.
When Anand was first offered the role, he went through a look test to see if he would fit the part. Taken by the story, his brother and actor Vijay Deverakonda’s production house, King of the Hill Entertainment, decided to produce. “My dad (Govardhan Rao) and the executive producer took on a slew of production responsibilities and I had enough time to focus on my work. Much later I got into the marketing aspects,” says Anand.
All three of Anand’s films so far have been directed by newcomers and he categorically states that veteran directors have not approached him so far. However, his next few films are to be directed by established filmmakers – Sai Rajesh and KV Guhan.
middle class tune It was a confidence booster for Anand, who was disappointed with the disappointing box office reception of his debut film. Dorasani. There were times when he wondered whether he had made the right decision to leave a corporate career, only to be trolled on social media during its launch: “Vijay had already warned me that a career in cinema would be challenging and I had to Shouldn’t. Think about going back to corporate life. Slowly it came to my mind that when established celebrities are not spared from trolling, this is bound to happen to me. During pre-production workshop middle class tuneThere was a time when I was skeptical. I then decided to go ahead and enjoy my opportunity to become a better actor. “
Anand trained in theater with Vinay Varma-led facilitator group and shared space with them. Dorasani. Verma’s encouraging words inspired him to continue his acting journey: “I was active in extra-curricular activities in school. That and theater helped me become an actor. I tried to do my best Pushpak Vimanam And I hope the audience will also connect with the emotions that we show on screen,” he says.
in kind middle class tuneAnand says that Pushpak Vimanam Will also benefit from a competent supporting cast: “Recently in Guntur, when college students had a lot to mention” middle class tune, I love seeing how a simple and non-massive film is loved by all. I hope we can overcome it this time as well.”
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