In a recent exclusive interview with Etimes, director Prasanth Varma shared fascinating insights into the success of his latest film, ‘Hanu Man,’ featuring Teja Sajja. Despite its understated promotion, the movie is making waves at the box office, receiving commendable reviews from both critics and industry insiders.
Varma delved into the filming experience, describing it as an enjoyable and challenging process. He admitted to the trial and error involved in creating a superhero film for the first time, highlighting the comedic sequences that brought laughter to the set. The director credited a higher power for guiding the creative process, emphasizing the film’s unique moments that unfolded during production.
Addressing the sensitivity of portraying a mythological character like Hanuman, Varma expressed his personal attachment to the subject matter, having grown up with the stories. He revealed the meticulous efforts taken to ensure accuracy, consulting with scholars to verify every detail, including the Sanskrit songs written by experts.
The interview shed light on Teja Sajja’s evolution as an actor, acknowledging his extensive experience with over 50 films as a child actor. Varma praised Sajja’s dedication, particularly in physically demanding scenes and seamless execution of emotional moments in a single take.
The director also highlighted challenges faced during filming, notably an underwater sequence that proved difficult for Sajja. Varma discussed the complexity of shooting in challenging locations, such as a forest in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the dedication required from both the actors and the crew.
Intriguingly, Varma shared instances of seemingly miraculous events on set, attributing them to a higher power supporting the film’s production. From a snake incident near Teja Sajja to a close call with a bullock cart on a narrow mountain-edge road, the director expressed a belief that divine intervention played a role in ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
Reflecting on the unexpected success of ‘Hanu Man,’ Varma revealed initial intentions were modest, hoping to tell a compelling story rather than focusing on financial gains. He expressed surprise at the overwhelming reception and shared plans for future superhero films, including ‘Adhira,’ featuring Lord Indra, and a female-centric story to engage the younger audience with mythological tales.