Sarangapani Jatakam’ is a common man’s story filled with emotions like ‘Mallesham’, ‘Balagam’, and ‘Court’ – Hero Priyadarshi
With a string of successes, Priyadarshi is riding high right now. His next film as the lead is ‘Sarangapani Jatakam’, produced under the prestigious Sridevi Movies banner by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad and directed by Mohana Krishna Indraganti. The film is set to release on April 25. On this occasion, Priyadarshi interacted with the media. Here’s what he shared about the film:
Q: After a hit like ‘Court’, you’re coming back with ‘Sarangapani Jatakam’. What can we expect from this film?
I heard the story of ‘Sarangapani Jatakam’ last year. It was supposed to release at the end of last year but got delayed a bit. Now it’s releasing on April 25. I’m really happy to come back with this film right after a hit like ‘Court’. I’m confident and not under any pressure.
Q: Do you personally believe in horoscopes like the character in this film?
Not to the extent shown in the movie, but I do believe in them to some extent. In this industry, nothing is really under our control. We just try to make good cinema, but the result is not in our hands. We had planned to release the film earlier, but considering business aspects and theatre availability, we decided on April 25.
Q: What message does the film try to convey?
We’re not saying one should believe or shouldn’t believe in horoscopes. But we are showing what happens when someone imposes their beliefs on others. We haven’t taken sides in the story.
Q: You seem to prefer emotional stories. Why is that?
I believe common man characters reach a wider audience. Be it ‘Mallesham’ or ‘Sarangapani’, these are people we see around us. Their journeys are often painful. Stories like ‘Mallesham’, ‘Balagam’, ‘Court’, and ‘Sarangapani’ are all rooted in our surroundings. In this film, I play a young man who strongly believes in horoscopes.
Q: You started with comedy roles. Now you’re doing full-length comedy entertainers. How do you see that transition?
Making people laugh is very difficult these days. Indraganti has great comic timing. I’ve never played a role like this before. It feels very fresh. I believe the character and the film will connect with everyone.
Q: What about your character and dialect in this film?
So far, I’ve mostly spoken in the Telangana dialect. But in this film, I speak in the Andhra dialect. I tried to follow Indraganti sir’s style. He created a separate track and timing for me, and I think audiences will like it.
Q: How was the experience working with legends like Tanikella Bharani, Naresh, and Avasarala Srinivas?
They are all amazing actors and true legends. Vennela Kishore is a fantastic artist. Viva Harsha has great timing. Despite being seniors, everyone was very friendly and we had fun during the shoot.
Q: Did you feel any pressure as the lead actor in this film?
It was Indraganti sir who worked the hardest for this film. More than me, it was his effort. I just followed his direction on set. I never felt any pressure.
Q: Did you check your horoscope before entering the film industry?
Yes, before I entered the industry, astrologers said I would never become an actor. But I didn’t care about any of that. My mother got my horoscope checked out of concern. I came into the industry with faith in myself and my work.
Q: Is this a story-driven or character-driven film?
Some films revolve around characters. In ‘Court’, not just me, all characters stood out. It got great word-of-mouth and became a blockbuster. People don’t come to the theatres just because I’m in a film—they come because they believe the film will have a strong point or content. Today’s audiences are very clear about what to watch and what to skip. Only meaningful films are working.
Q: Do you self-reflect when a film flops?
Absolutely. When a film fails, I always introspect. I look at where I went wrong, what could’ve been done differently, and make sure to be more careful next time.
Q: Do you long for a mass hero image?
There are many action heroes in our industry. Mass commercial entertainers pull great collections too. But look at Nani—he did ‘Dasara’ and then ‘Hi Nanna’, and both were hits. Earlier, even Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, and Balakrishna followed this format—doing all kinds of films and impressing everyone. I want to do the same. If Srikanth Odela is ready, I’ll pick up a sword! (laughs)
Q: What was your reaction when Indraganti sir narrated this story to you?
I used to dream of just taking a picture with Indraganti sir. But he came to me with a story! The moment I heard it, I felt it was amazing. He called it the story of a horoscope-crazy guy and told me the title ‘Sarangapani Jatakam’. I loved the title too. I told him, “Sir, it’s an amazing title.” I’ll never forget my first day shooting with him. I hope everyone gets a chance to work with Indraganti sir.
Q: How was your experience working with producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad?
He’s a great producer. He produced classics like ‘Aditya 369’. Even now, he respectfully addresses newcomers like me as “sir.” He’s very humble. I consider myself lucky to have worked under his banner.
Q: Are there any premiere shows planned for the film?
We’re going to Vizag for ‘Sarangapani Jatakam’ promotions. We’re doing events there and will be organizing premiere shows too. We want to show the film a bit early—if people like it, they can come to the theatres. Our film will entertain everyone with laughter.
Q: Do you think the audience’s taste has changed now?
Yes, today’s audience prefers films with solid content. They love stories of the common man. In films like ‘Lucky Bhaskar’ and ‘Pushpa’, the hero is a common man who rises. Even Chiranjeevi sir did many such films in the past and won hearts.
Q: What are your upcoming projects?
I’m doing a film called ‘Premante’ with a new director under Asian Cinemas. I’m also doing another project titled ‘Mitramandali’ under Geetha Arts, produced by Bunny Vas. I’m listening to a few more scripts. I want to focus more on films with strong roles.
