Not everyone is happy with actor Chiranjeevi’s 150th film Kathilantodu, which is an official remake of the AR Murugadoss’ Tamil film, Kaththi.
The movie, which has been trending on social media as #Chiru150 ever since it’s official announcement, is Chiranjeevi’s comeback film after a gap of nine years. Telugu writer Chinni Krishna, who is known for movies like Indra, Narasimha Naidu and Badrinadh, was initially roped in to write an original story for Chiru150. However, the actor was not happy with the story that Krishna narrated to him, and decided to remake Kaththi. Expressing his disapproval over Chiranjeevi’s choice, Chinni Krishna said that Chiru150 lacked originality and was just a mere ‘xerox copy’ of the Tamil film.
Veteran director A. Kodandarami Reddy, who has made 23 films with Chiranjeevi, said that the actor shouldn’t have chosen Kaththi.“Films with a message will not suit Chiranjeevi now. People will not like this movie. He should have opted for a comedy instead of remaking Kaththi which is message-oriented and a very dry subject. Given a chance, I would team up again with the actor and direct him in an out-and-out comedy,” said the veteran film-maker, at a meeting in Vijayawada.
Unsurprisingly, the actor’s fans lashed out at Kodandarami Reddy, forcing the director to backtrack on his comments. The director, who shares a rapport with the actor, apologised soon.
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Kaththi, starring Vijay and Samantha, dealt with the subject of farmer suicides in Tamil Nadu villages. It was one of the highest grossing Tamil films in 2014.
Kathilantodu went on floors last month, and is expected to hit the screens later this year. Composer Devi Sri Prasad, cinematographer Rathnavel and art director Thota Tharani are part of the film. Also, there have been reports that veteran actress Vijayashanthi will be playing a pivotal role in the movie. The actress last co-starred with Chiranjeevi in the 1991 film Gang Leader.
Kathilantodu will be jointly bankrolled by Lyca Productions and Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan.