The Priyadarshi-starrer, which explores human relationships and village life, marks the directorial debut of Venu. It is releasing on 3 March.
Comedian Venu Yeldandi is debuting as a director with 'Balagam' starring Priyadarshi. (OfflVenu/Twitter)
In a village, people do not address each other by names, but establish relationships with one another by calling them anna (brother), akka (sister), attha (aunty), bidda (child), etc. Sadly, such close bonding is absent in cities.
Comedian Venu Yeldandi’s directorial debut Balagam, which is hitting the screens on 3 March, explores these human relations, the beauty of village life and the native culture of Telangana. The movie revolves around the death of an elderly person in a family living in a village, the problems that arise, and how the family resolves the same.
“In Telangana, when someone dies, friends, relatives and neighbours usually console the bereaved family by offering toddy/liquor and food. In my childhood days, when an elderly person from our family died, we all consumed alcohol and cried every day (for 13 days),” Venu recalled.
People do miss weddings but they mandatorily attend funerals; for deaths bring families and people together! “Initially, I found toddy consumption in funerals humorous but understood that it’s our culture; a beautiful one indeed,” he told South First.
Comedian-Director Venu Yeldandi. (offlvenu/Twitter)
Venu Yeldandi researched the subject and began working on it five years ago. He put all his efforts into writing the story for Balagam in his leisure time, though he was working as a comedian.
The film is touted to be a realistic drama with a mix of all emotions set against the Telangana backdrop. It casts Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Kavya Kalyanram, Sudhakar Reddy and Muralidhar Goud in the key roles.
The rest of the cast and crew are from the twin Telugu states. A handful of newcomers are debuting in the industry through Balagam. The film is produced by Dil Raju and Shirish.
“I don’t know if I extracted the best or if the actors performed excellently, but they all turned into a ‘Balagam’ (strength) for me,” he said confidently.
How did the five-year process change him as a person? Venu reflects: “My temper reduced considerably; my patience grew manifold; I am positively looking at the world now.”
The comedian-debutant director says he is now taking pressure without complaining. He doesn’t stress and believes in him more now.
“There are always people who pull you down but I don’t get influenced by them anymore. I listen to everyone, analyse what’s been told and then decide. I am more rooted now and far more sincere after Balagam.”
Venu’s family and producers Dil Raju and Shirish extensively supported him in making the film happen and are leaving no stone unturned in promoting it. Indeed, he wanted to act in it but stuck to direction, on the advice of his well-wishers.
He wonders why people spoil relationships due to egos and recollects the lessons the pandemic taught us.
“We became too busy earning a livelihood and are ignoring our kith and kin. Through Balagam, I tried to convey the message that tendering an apology will do the trick when a relationship turns frosty. We all celebrate the birth and wish for a peaceful death. We also wish that our near and dear ones remember us wholeheartedly at our funeral. Isn’t it the least we can do for our people?!” he questioned.
Maa #Balagam Trailer andarini meppinchestundi 🥳❤️
Meeru kooda chooseyandi 😉
ICYMI – https://t.co/BpUoCbJZaa#Balagam Trailer out now!#BalagamonMarch3rd@priyadarshi_i @kavyakalyanram @dopvenu #Bheemsceciroleo @LyricsShyam
@DilRajuProdctns @HR_3555 #HanshithaReddy pic.twitter.com/Gobi2Tx2TC— venu(TILLU)offl (@OfflVenu) February 28, 2023
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