The first look of Hidimba, the upcoming Telugu film starring actors Ashwin Babu and Nandita Swetha, was released by the makers on Sunday to mark the occasion of Friendship Day and Ashwin’s birthday. In conversation with Silverscreen India, the film’s writer-director Anil Krishna Kanneganti calls it a thriller with links to mythology.
Kanneganti, who made his debut in 2006 with the Nandamuri Kalyan Ram starrer Asadhyudu, adds, “We all know the character Hidimbi from our puranas (myths), but there is also a male version called Hidimba. However, there are no mythological elements in the film. I’ve kept that title purely because there is a subtle connection to the story. Hidimba is a thriller film mainly set in Telangana with some portions in Kerala as well. ”
The film’s locations include Hyderabad as well as the forests of Kerala (Vandiperiyar) and Andaman.
Hidimba is produced by Gangapatnam Sridhar under the banner Sri Vignesh Karthik Cinemas.
It was initially confirmed by another banner, says Kanneganti. “The project got delayed due to their prior commitments. However, they were understanding and supported my decision to look for another producer.”
“Later, I met Ashwin and we locked the project. We have been friends for the past 10 years and have been wanting to do a film together. This project paved the way for it,” says the filmmaker, adding that he began writing this script in 2014-15 and has been slowly fleshing it out since.
Kanneganti reveals that Hidimba has a non-linear screenplay with the story following parallel plots happening at different times.
“Ashwin and Nandita play police officers, who were in a relationship during their academy days but have broken up since. They reunite to investigate a series of missing person cases with no clues,” the filmmaker says, adding that the film has two intense action sequences.
Stunt coordinators Joshuva and Real Satish are handling the film’s action sequences.
Hidimba also stars Srinivasa Reddy, Sahithi Avancha, Sanjay Swaroop, Vidyulekha Raman, Rajiv Kanakala, Pramodhini, Rajeev Pillai, and Deepthi Nallamothu.
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The music is by Vikas Badisa, who has composed two songs for Hidimba, says Kanneganti.
The film, which has cinematography by B Rajasekar, went on floors in January and the team has completed the first schedule. Filming is about 50% complete, the director tells us. “There is a big schedule planned in Kerala. Since there are restrictions in the state, we are still waiting to begin that shoot. We are planning to resume shooting from August 20.”
Malayalam actor Vinayakan TK will be playing an important role in the Kerala schedule, he adds.
The director reveals that the team is aiming for a theatre release. “We are looking to finish shooting by September first week. Our first copy should be ready by October, at which time we will assess the situation.”