Exclusive! Sai Chand on Konda Polam: Working with Krish reminded me of the legendary filmmaker Bapu

Maa Bhoomi, Manchu Pallaki actor Sai Chand, who returned to mainstream films after a long sabbatical with an extremely memorable role in Sekhar Kammula's blockbuster Fidaa, has been careful with his script choices ever since. He's rejected more offers than the films he has signed and was seen in three films after Fidaa, namely Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Uppena and Check. His performance in the three roles, as diverse as chalk and cheese, have further reasserted his versatility as an actor. His next is filmmaker Krish Jagarlamudi's on-screen adaptation of the award-winning novel Konda Polam, written by Sannapureddy Venkataramireddy. The film's first look and title were unveiled by the cast and crew earlier today.

Sharing his excitement about Konda Polam and teaming up with Krish, Sai Chand says, "It was a delight to work with Krish. I was reminded of my shoot experiences with yesteryear legend Bapu (for Pellidu Pillalu) while working with him. He was meticulous with his plans, clear in his thought and execution. The atmosphere was so organised and free from chaos. Krish has helmed films with complex subjects all through his career and he put together Konda Polam in no time. Shooting for the film right under 40-days after the lockdown, with such precision, reminded me of the good ol' days in my career before the pre-digital era. It felt like working in a home production. Moreover, Krish has terrific command on Telugu literature and his literary sensibilities proved crucial in shaping up something as memorable as Konda Polam."

While not revealing much about his role and the film's plot, he assures that the Telugu audiences will be thrilled watching such a unique story unfold on the big screen. "The forest backdrop in the story will be nothing short of a visual delight for film lovers. This is a film with an undeniable human touch and the love story has come out so beautifully. This is a significant project for me because it's the first time in my four-decade-long career that I got to play a character who speaks the Rayalaseema slang. I was born in Rayalaseema too, in Kurnool and I see this role as an opportunity to give back to my roots. Though I did a story amidst a Rayalaseema backdrop (Sye Raa..) earlier, I was asked to stick to the regular Telugu slang for the same," he adds.

The actor, who's the son of legendary Telugu writer Gopichand, is hopeful that Konda Polam will bring back the 'novel inspired films' era in Telugu cinema again. "I am not sure why it took such a long time for filmmakers to base their films on novels again. There's no better time than now (the OTT era) for good Telugu novels to be adapted for films and shows. We have a long list of literary works that deserve a wider audience. I hope Konda Polam revives the trend again." Opening up on the film's powerful first look, he states, "I always felt Vaisshnav Tej has powerful eyes. They are just so ferocious in intense situations. It's wonderful to work with him once again after Uppena. We're keen to sustain our success streak," Sai Chand signs off. The actor also plays a crucial role in Rana Daggubati-starrer Viraata Parvam that's expected to release later this year.

Konda Polam, directed by Krish, stars Vaisshnav Tej, Rakul Preet Singh and Sai Chand in lead roles and will hit theatres on October 8.

Also read: Konda Polam title and first look: Vaishnav Tej looks focused and formidable in the action thriller