PremiumFamily Star producer Dil Raju on if Rashmika Mandanna is in Vijay Deverakonda film: 'I am super confident about...'
Family Star features Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles. Dil Raju has produced the family drama, which is directed by Parasuram.
Dil Raju on Rashmika being a part of Family Star
Last Updated: 06.42 PM, Apr 02, 2024
Vijay Deverakonda's Family Star is set to release on April 5, 2024. Producer Dil Raju speaks to us about the film's theme, rejecting Vijay early in his career, the box office outcome of Family Star, and Ram Charan's Game Changer. Here is the transcript.
Do you think family dramas like Family Star still work in today's time?
Why not? I have made many family dramas in my career, and most of them have been massive hits. When it comes to Family Star, I want to clarify that 30% of the film is a family drama, and the rest is a romantic comedy. The film has great romance in the backdrop of a family drama set in today's sensibilities and narrated on a realistic note.
What made you choose Vijay Deverakonda, who has an aggressive image, for Family Star?
Everyone sees Vijay as a Rowdy Boy but I look at him differently. His reach among the family audience is huge, and when Parasuram narrated the story, the first name we thought of was Vijay's. He is a perfect fit for such a story, and everyone will agree with me when they watch the film. Also, I have an action-packed film lined up for him, and I will take it on floors next year.
There is news that Rashmika is doing a cameo in this film. Is it true?
I don't want to comment on this subject. The release is just around the corner, and I request everyone to watch the film on the big screen to find out if Rashmika is really doing a special role or not. I am arranging a special show for all the press members and their families a day in advance as I am super confident about the film.
From rejecting Vijay to producing a biggie with him, how do you feel?
Not many know that Vijay auditioned for the lead role in one of my films, Kerintha. I saw his snaps and felt he did not suit the role, so I rejected him. Vijay revealed this story to me after the release of Pelli Choopulu. I feel happy that Vijay has proved everyone wrong and has become a huge star, and I am happy to rope him in for Family Star.
You are producing back-to-back films; how do you determine which will work and which will not?
I have my own assumptions. As I am involved with the film from the stage of the story sessions, I have my own check rules. I speak to the post-production team, see the reviews, hear the negative comments for the teaser, watch the film in multiple theatres, and get an assumption. I can make out whether a film is a hit or not by the interval time itself. I gauge the reactions of the audience and can understand whether they hate or love the film. If they dislike a film, I go back and make a note of where I went wrong.
A word about Mrunal Thakur?
Mrunal is already a proven star and a lucky mascot for the industry. I hope she scores a hatrick of hits with Family Star. She is a great performer and will be one of the biggest talking points once the film is released.
What is the basic theme of Family Star?
The film is about a middle-class man named Govardhan. He is so passionate about his family and can go to any lengths to save his surroundings. What happens when such a man encounters a rich girl, the problems she brings, and how the entire family set takes a beating is the basic theme.
What is the status of Ram Charan's Game Changer?
We will wrap up the film in May 2024. Director Shankar has executed the film superbly. As it is a huge project, delays are inevitable. We have already locked the release date, and I will announce it soon. Apart from Game Changer, I have also locked a few other films in my banner, and I will announce them soon.