The first look poster of Swathi Muthyam, the upcoming Tamil film starring Ganesh Bellamkonda and Varsha Bollamma in lead roles, was released by the makers of the film on social media on Tuesday.
Ganesh Bellamkonda, son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh and younger brother of actor Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, is making his debut with the film written and directed by debutant filmmaker Lakshman K Krishna. The film is backed by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the Sithara Entertainments production banner.
Speaking to Silverscreen India about Swathi Muthyam, Lakshman, who has previously directed short films, said, “The film is a complete family comedy-drama with a love story. It is entirely set against the backdrop of a small town in East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.”
The filmmaker, who hails from East Godavari as well, completed the first draft of the script in June 2020 and then approached Bellamkonda, after which the production banner took up the project. “I am from Pithapuram, the same place the story is also set. I wrote this when I was in my hometown during the lockdown and I drew inspiration from the families and characters I grew up seeing during my childhood,” he added.
On casting Bellamkonda, Lakshman said, “A close friend of mine introduced me to Ganesh and found him apt for the role. Swathi Muthyam means soft and innocent, devoid of anything bad, in Telugu.” While Rao Ramesh and Pragathi are playing Bellamkonda’s parents in the film, Naresh and Surekhavani are playing Bollamma’s parents. Vennela Kishore will also be seen in a pivotal role.
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The first schedule of shooting began in March but was halted due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was later resumed in the end of June and currently nearing completion.
“We are trying to complete the shooting by October or November. When there is a conducive atmosphere, we will release it theatrically,” he added.
The team is shooting in East Godavari and Hyderabad with Suryaa serving as the cinematographer. Navin Nooli is the editor with art direction handled by Avinash Kolla. Mahati Swara Sagar is composing the music for the film, featuring four songs.