Nirvana Cinemas, a distribution house in the US, will collaborate with short filmmaker Phanindra Narsetti for an experimental drama titled Manu.
Here is the day we have been eagerly waiting for. This is a movie we have been emotionally attached to and there is a lot of sweat, toil and tears behind this. Special shout out to @N_Phanindra, @iChandiniC #Goutham#TheFilmManu pic.twitter.com/xNUcTtAyHz
— Nirvana Cinemas (@NirvanaCinemas) July 6, 2018
Comedian Brahmanandam’s son Raja Gautham and Chandini Chowdary play the leads.
Director Narsetti rose to fame after his short film Her, starring Regina Cassandra, went viral. This is his first feature film; he has also made shorts such as Backspace and Madhuram, available on YouTube.
Interestingly, Manu is a crowd-funded independent project, which is why the film’s production team is called the ‘The Crowd’.
Talking about the project, Narsetti told The Hindu that when he had no money and no crew but only a passion to make films, he chanced upon a website that threw light on the Mo Film Festival. He ended up winning two international awards and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Until then, his budget was a mere Rs. 10. After the awards, his family started believing in him and his dream. The director said that 112 people — “from a vegetable seller to IIT students” have contributed to make Manu.
The teaser, which was released last year, revealed that the film is a mystery-thriller which elements of romance. The pulsating background music only added to the intrigue.
Watch the teaser here:
Raja Gautham is banking on Manu to boost his career. The star son made his debut in Pallakilo Pelli Koothuru in 2004 and was later seen in Basanthi, but both films were box office duds. After working in commercial films, Manu seems to be an unconventional choice for the actor.
The film’s female lead Chandini Chowdary has been part of many short films under MR Productions’ banner. She was last seen in the Telugu film Howrah Bridge.
Talking about the lead actors, Narsetti told The Hindu, “I wanted a face not a star; an actor who would believe in my story. So, I picked Gautam. Chandini Chowdary is the heroine… The two characters are deeply in love but their identity is not disclosed to each other.”
