Director Shanmukha Prasanth: Writer Padmabhushan is an entertainer inspired by my middle-class upbringing

The debut filmmaker had earlier worked for Suhas starrer Family Drama and was also the assistant director for Colour Photo

Shanmukha Prasanth

Suhas, Tina Shilparaj and Gouri Priya are coming together for a hilarious family entertainer Writer Padmabhushan, written and directed by a first-time filmmaker Shanmukha Prasanth. The latter isn’t alien to the tinsel town; he not only co-wrote Suhas’ dark comedy Family Drama but also assisted Sandeep Raj for the national-award-winning film Colour Photo. As Writer Padmabhushan gears up for a release on February 3, he spoke of his tryst with cinema and about the project in a media interaction.

Early days in the industry

I was born and brought up in Vijayawada, completed my graduation there and landed in Hyderabad. While I was a film enthusiast right in my B.Tech days, I sought opportunities in the industry after coming to Hyderabad and didn’t inform about it to my parents. I worked as a writer under many eminent names; they appreciated me but never paid me. Having known Suhas from his short film days and working with him for Family Drama and Colour Photo, I consider myself lucky to have him as a lead for my directorial debut too.

Inspired by real-life incidents

Having grown up in a middle class family, it’s natural for you all to recognise these touches in the setup of Writer Padmabhushan. This is a family entertainer, but minus the melodrama or the fuss around joint families and weddings. This is a relatable story with an element of mischief. The idea was born out of the desire to tell an out of the box story. Suhas plays a librarian in the film and I assure, it’ll be a refreshing experience for viewers. The story is its USP.

The idea of a ‘writer’ as a protagonist

In my view, the writer is the most important person in any work of art. Regardless of the budget, any film begins with a writer’s story. Writer Padmabhushan is also one such writer’s journey. Well, is he a writer after all? You’ll know when you watch. Content is the soul of any film and it helps that viewers primarily expect a good story from an actor like Suhas. The story is about a Vijayawada boy with a loving family,a girlfriend and his ambitions. There’s a thriller angle to the plot too.

His love for comedy and a word on his cast, crew

I really enjoy comedy as a writer and viewer and I view it as my strength. Writer Padmabhushan has quality humour all along and I am a big fan of filmmakers like EVV Satyanarayana, Jandhyala and Srinu Vaitla. I couldn’t have imagined the film without Suhas; he’s such a dedicated actor who comes to sets on time and gives a filmmaker enough liberty to discuss a scene prior to shoot.

Ashish Vidyarthi, after Gudumba Shankar, Ala Modalaindi, will be seen in an important role and we’ve showcased a newer dimension to him in this film. Tina Shilparaj is an OTT star who needs no introduction at all and Gouri Priya has done a fine job too. Rohini, Goparaju Ramana too play important roles. Chai Bisket Films, Lahari Films supported me well through this journey and didn’t tinker with my vision. I promised to wrap up the film as per their budget and stayed true to my word.

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