PremiumSarkaaru Noukari - All you need to know about Akash Goparaju, Bhavana Vazhapandal’s rural drama
Ganganamoni Shekar directs the film, while legendary filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao is the producer
Last Updated: 05.40 PM, Dec 20, 2023
Ganganamoni Shekar, a former associate of cinematographer PC Sreeram, who cranked the camera for a handful of films like Katha Venuka Katha, Anukunnadi Okkati Ayyindi Okkati and CSI Sanatan, made his directorial debut with the anthology Panchatantra Kathalu (now on aha). He’s wielding the megaphone for a rural drama, Sarkaaru Noukari, which gears up to hit screens on January 1, 2024.
Sarkaaru Noukari marks the acting debut of popular singer Sunitha’s son Akash Goparaju, who’s paired alongside Bhavana Vazhapandal, a theatre artist (who was seen in Aparna Malladi’s Pellikuturu Party recently). Tanikella Bharani, Sudhakar Reddy, Madhu Latha, Mahaadev, Sai Srinivas, Sammeta Gandhi and Mani Chandana essay other pivotal roles in the drama centred on a young couple.
Legendary filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao happened to watch Shekar’s Panchatantra Kathalu on aha a few months ago and really liked the work of the cinematographer and the duo got talking. The veteran was surprised to know his capabilities as a writer-director and asked him to pitch a script if he had any. The director’s penchant to introduce new talents into the industry is well known.
While Ganganamoni Shekar initially had a love story in mind, he felt it was impractical to pitch a romance or family drama and earn a nod from him. He took a risk with a story revolving around a social stigma set in the 90s and how the protagonist’s government job affects the relationship with his wife. Without suggesting any changes, Raghavendra Rao signed a cheque to bring him on board.
The script, partially inspired by true incidents, is set against the backdrop of a conservative village, Kollapur, where a youngster, a government job holder, is entrusted with the job of spearheading an AIDS campaign, advising the use of condoms among the residents. In a region that’s not receptive to change, the protagonist sticks to his duty, even if it means going against his wife’s wishes.
Director VN Aditya, who had a long-time wish to assist K Raghavendra Rao on a film and missed working with him during Annamayya, was entrusted with the responsibility of handholding a young team during the making. The Manasantha Nuvve maker was also among those who suggested Akash’s name for the film, while Raghavendra Rao had known the female lead, Bhavana, for some time.
Sandilya Pisapati, a violinist in MM Keeravaani’s team and also the singer behind Bimbisara’s Neetho Unte Chalu, turns composer with the film. Suresh Bobbili’s expertise in dealing with rustic tales helped him come on board for the background score. Raghavendra Rao, on a lighter note, said he continued his ‘fruit’ sentiment with the film through the use of the amla in a scene.
In a bid to avoid a clash with films releasing on December 29—Bubblegum, Devil and after consultation with distributors, the makers went ahead with a Monday release on January 1, a holiday. Chiranjeevi even watched the film’s trailer and a couple of scenes at his residence recently and was all praise for the team’s treatment while dealing with a tricky subject.