Chiranjeevi: In the age of OTTs, you must give the viewer a solid reason to buy a ticket

Chiranjeevi as an articulator needs no introduction at all and he has been ageing with grace, especially with his enthusiasm to support his industry counterparts in the hour of need. The Khaidi star was the chief guest of the pre-release event of First Day First Show, which hits theatres this weekend. The film marks the comeback of the iconic Poornodaya banner through its sister concern- Srija Entertainments. The star was at his eloquent best at the event during his speech.

“My main reason to come for the pre-release event is the respect I have for Edida Nageswara Rao. I feel like I belong to his family and he produced some of the best films in my career - Tayaramma Bangarayya, Swayamkrushi and Apathbandhavudu. Some events, I attend as a formality but I’m personally attached to the banner and speaking at this stage means a lot to me,” he said.

Talking of the banner’s legacy, Chiranjeevi shared, “We still celebrate films made under Poornodaya Pictures solely because of the choices Edida Nageswara Rao made as an uncompromising producer. He treated the entire cast and crew of the films as his own family and the affection the banner had for them was so genuine. Under the banner, we worked as if it was for our own family and never considered it work.”

“When I got to know that Edida Nageswara Rao’s granddaughter Sreeja is making her debut as a producer, I was genuinely happy for her. It’s important to welcome women to this industry and this is a place that gives an identity to everyone for their worth. I said the same thing to the daughters from my family - Niharika and Sushmitha - when they decided to take the plunge as producers,” the star added.

Adding why a life in films is special to him, Chiranjeevi mentioned, “I am someone who found a footing in films, shifted to another arena and returned here, only to realise what I missed. I value this industry more now. To survive here, you must be grounded and can’t consider yourself above the film. The moment you try to punch above your weight, the industry will show you your place.”

Sharing a word of advice for the film team, he said, “When you’re making a film, it’s important to be careful with the story you want to tell. Forget OTTs, but when your script isn’t worth it, the film won’t last. Even I had to experience the same fate for one of my recent films. As a third person, you must introspect why should a viewer come to theatres to watch a film and you’ll always have an answer. The film must either have entertainment or emotion as a bare minimum.”

Congratulating Jathi Ratnalu director KV Anudeep for introducing his assistants - Lakshmi Narayana and Vamshidhar - through First Day First Show, Chiranjeevi stated, “We’ve seen many director duos in the past and I always believe two minds are better than one. The presence of an extra hand always helps for the right feedback. Films are ultimately about teamwork.”

He had a word of praise for Anudeep later. “I enjoyed watching Jathi Ratnalu, it entertained me thoroughly even though I didn’t know about any of the lead actors. The popular song ‘Chitti’ is special to me because Edida Nageswara Rao’s wife (aunty) always referred to my wife Surekha as Chitti. I always tease Surekha with the reference to this song these days.”

“I wish the lead actors of First Day First Show - Srikanth Reddy and Sanchita Bashu - the very best. The film’s title reminds me of a time when I and a young Naga Babu went to watch an NTR film at a theatre in Nellore secretively and ended up finding our own father there. He chided me for buying the floor ticket and asked me to be careful henceforth. It’s a sweet yet embarrassing memory,” Chiranjeevi said, on a parting note.