11 June 2022
Hyderabad

Had everything gone according to plan, Vinodhaya Sitham remake with power star Pawan Kalyan and Sai Tej would’ve had the cameras rolling by now but with Pawan striking a balance between political assignments and filming for Hari Hara Veera Mallu at the same time, the untitled project, directed by Samuthirakani, has been running behind the intended schedule. However, it looks like the makers are now eyeing to commence the project from sometime next month.

A source close to the production house confirms, “Right now, the tentative date for the production to begin is next month. While you never know how the political climate changes in AP, which in turn requires Pawan’s participation, People Media Factory, however, is prepping to be ready by next month. In case if it gets pushed to August, they want to be geared up for it as well. Samuthirakani has given a complete new spin to the script. While the original’s run time was less than one hour 45 minutes, the remake may well exceed two hours. With Pawan headlining it, the makers are mounting it on a grand note with the inclusion of high-end computer graphics as well. The original film was a modest budget affair. The shoot will run into four-five months at least.”

While Pawan will not have a leading lady opposite him, the makers have shortlisted the names of Krithi Shetty, Ketika Sharma and Sree Leela to be paired opposite Sai Tej in the film. “Their dates are an issue. The director, however, will narrow down the list to one shortly,” the source adds.

Vinodhaya Sitham told the story of a self-obsessed man (played by Thambi Ramaiah)—also a control freak— who passes away in an unfortunate accident while on a business trip. At his request, “the time” (Samuthirakani) grants him an extension of 90 days to correct his ways. Ramaiah’s role is being tailored to be played by Sai Tej, while Pawan will play “the time”. Thaman has been roped in score the music, while Burra Sai Madhav is penning the dialogues.

-NAGARAJ GOUD