Shashtipoorthi, starring Nata Kireeti Rajendra Prasad in a heart-moving role, is a family drama entertainer laced with emotions, traditions, love and a lot more. Produced by Maa Aaie Productions with Rupeysh in the lead role, the film also features National Award winner Archana and Akanksha Singh. This is the first time in 38 years after the classic film ‘Ladies Tailor’ that Nata Kireeti and Archana are acting together. Directed by Pavan Prabha and produced by Hero Rupeysh Choudhary himself, its Glimpse was out today.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Dr. Rajendra Prasad wondered about the fortune he has had in getting to do meaningful roles. He added that he always refers to the media fraternity as his siblings. He attributed the love they shower on him to the Almighty’s blessings. “Shashtipoorthi is not just a film, it’s life itself. I have become a part of your homes. PV Narasimha Rao, who became the Prime Minister of the country, used to say, ‘There will be a lamp in the house, a cot to sleep, and Prasad’.
Truly, the films I have made since ‘Aa Naluguru’ have been because of God’s blessings on me. Each of us who has acted in Shashtipoorthi in the age of OTT are proud of it. In the age of films like Mr. Pellam, families used to flock to cinemas. There would be no parking space even. Shashtipoorthi is one such family-friendly movie. Shashtipoorthi ceremonies are crucial in our culture. Rupeysh has played a dual role, as an actor and a producer. He knows his task as a producer. He is committed. He is a very good student as an actor. He would ask for my feedback on his acting on set. Padma Shri Thota Tharani has worked on our movie as an Art director. Lyricist Chaitanya Prasad’s song from ‘Aa Naluguru’ has been played during mourning periods of VIPs. He is a fine lyricist who has written songs in Shashtipoorthi.
Archana was a highly seasoned performer even when we acted together in Ladies Tailor. Our characters in Shashtipoorthi are solid. I have always felt as a responsible actor ever since my training institute days. Chiranjeevi garu once said that it would be shocking if I don’t give my best. Amazing technicians have worked on this movie Shashtipoorthi. Those who respect Telugu culture will love our movie. I feel truly blessed to have done this film. Please watch it with your parents, grandparents and children. The purpose of this film is to speak for our culture and traditions. Please watch it only in theaters,” Rajendra Prasad said.
Actress Archana said, “After a very long gap, I am coming before the Telugu audience. When producer Rupeysh and director Pavan Prabha approached me for this film, the first thing I asked was, ‘What is the name of the movie?’ I also asked, ‘Who will I be acting with?’ They said, ‘One of the very, very important actors in Indian cinema,’ referring to Dr. Rajendra Prasad. You may not have seen the Tamil films that Rajendra Prasad has acted in as the hero, but I have always been watching them.
He is the actor everyone wants. Such recognition is very important for an actor. With this recognition, he continues to be a legend. I cannot say more than that. Maestro Ilaiyaraaja is also a part of this movie. If an artist like him is part of this film, who can say no? Then there’s art director Thota Tharani, with whom I am working for the first time. He is a great art director. This is an extraordinary team. Great people have come together to make this film. Producer and Hero Rupeysh has worked hard for this movie.
Their passion and love for cinema are evident. Teaching such wonderful values is our duty, and that’s what we did in this film. Regarding Akanksha, when I see her, I am reminded of veteran filmmaker Bapu garu. Because she looks like a Bapu bomma. These people are like my children. I wholeheartedly send my blessings to all of them. I would like to thank everyone who gave me such a warm welcome.”
Actor-producer Rupeysh said, “Shashtipoorthi is my first film. I hope that Shashtipoorthi will be appreciated by everyone, and I wish for everyone’s blessings.”
Lyricist Chaitanya Prasad said, “Some films become special in certain people’s lives. For me, Aa Naluguru was one such film, and now Shashtipoorthi is another. The title song has been written by me. The hero, director, and producer are all new to the industry, and here they were talking about roping in Ilaiyaraaja sir. I was doubtful if this was doable. Later, they provided more details about the song. I decided to wait and watch. Then they invited me to Chennai to meet Ilaiyaraaja sir.
That’s when I believed that it was happening, finally. Writing even one song for an Ilaiyaraaja sir song was my dream, and this team made that dream come true. I have written songs for many films, but the song I wrote for Rajendra Prasad garu in Aa Naluguru will always be special to me. There is another song for him in this film as well. Then Archana ma’am and other legends joined the team. Legends didn’t just work on this film; they fell in love with it. I didn’t just write songs for Aa Naluguru; it was a journey. So also in the case of Shashtipoorthi.
Even though my work is completed, the journey continues, and I feel deeply connected to this film. I must express my gratitude to Keeravani sir, who has written one of the songs. In Shashtipoorthi, Rupeysh and Akanksha Singh make one pair, while elder brother Rajendra Prasad and Archana ma’am make another pair. Both pairs have outcompeted each other.”
Director Pavan Prabha thanked the core team, saying that Rupeysh, Rajendra Prasad and Archana took the film to another level with their power-packed performances. “When you watch them on screen, you won’t be able to blink even for a second. I promise this. Showing a two-and-a-half-hour film in just one minute is a challenge, but I hope you enjoyed the glimpse.
Rupeysh sir always said one thing: Whatever film we make, it should have good values, morals, and ethics. A movie that satisfies this criteria will always stand the test of time. I am a huge fan of Ilaiyaraaja sir. I had jitters while giving him a narration. He would belt out tunes on the spot by intuitively understanding what I was intending to convey. Chaitanya Prasad’s lyrics are a godsend. Rehman has written two songs. The technical team has done a great job. When I wrote the female lead character, I wrote it as Janaki. It’s how I have saved her number in my phone,” the director said.
Heroine Akanksha Singh said, “I am very excited to have acted in this film. I am extremely happy to be part of a film made with a great story. I thank Pavan sir and Rupeysh sir for giving me the opportunity to play the role of Janaki. I hope everyone watches this film with their family in theaters. Ilaiyaraaja sir, Thota Tarani sir, and Chaitanya Prasad sir gave their heart and soul to this film. This movie wouldn’t have been possible without our beloved Rajendra Prasad sir and Archana ma’am. I hope everyone watches this film with their family.”
Jabardasth Ram said, “I am really proud to be a part of the movie. It brings me a lot of joy. Director Pavan Prabha gave me a great role. Shashtipoorthi is a milestone ceremony. By that time, children would have grown up, and I think the values of parental nurturing start at that point. This movie tells us what we might be missing in our real lives. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to act with such great actors. I hope that more films like this – films that enhance societal values – will continue to come.”
Actor Anil said, “I would like to thank the director for giving me the opportunity in this film. Our entire family has a deep admiration for Rajendra Prasad sir. It’s an honor for me to act alongside him. We enjoyed working on this movie, and I hope you will also enjoy watching it.”
Comedian Chalaki Chanti said, “There are some great scenes between me and Jabardasth Ram. I won’t reveal my character at this stage. A big thank you to producer-hero Rupeysh. Rajendra Prasad sir is our guru. The atmosphere on set was different when he was around. I was nervous in his presence. Truly, this movie brings you closer to a festival, bringing everyone closer.”
Lead Cast:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, ‘National Award Winner’ Archana, Rupeysh Choudhary, Akanksha Singh.
Artists: Prabhas Sreenu, Chalaki Chanti, Chakrapani Ananda, Achyut Kumar, Muralidhar Goud, Anil , Jabardasth Ram, Latha, Swetha, Ruhi, Sanjay Swarup, Ambaresh Appaji, Anupama, Mahi Reddy.
Technicians:
Story, Screenplay, Conversations – Pavan Prabha
Producer – Rupeysh Choudhary
Banner – Maa Aaie Productions
Music – Maestro Ilaiyaraaja
Art Director – ‘Padma Sri’ Thota Tharani
Editor – Karthika Srinivas
DoP – Ram
Lyricist – ‘Padma Sri’ M.M. Keeravani, Chaitanya Prasad, Rehman
Choreographer: Swarna, Eswar Penti, Nixon
Costume Designer – Ayesha Mariam
Publicity Designer – Anil & Bhanu
PRO – Pulagam Chinnarayana
Digital Marketing – Talk Scoop
