INTERVIEW: ‘Kaliyugam Pattanamlo’ is a story of individuals living in ‘Kaliyugam’, says director Ramakhanth Reddy

Ramakhanth Reddy has written the story, too. The film is all set to release on 29 March.

Interacting with the media in Hyderabad recently, Ramakhanth Reddy spoke about the film, the title’s significance, and much more.

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On Kaliyugam Pattanamlo setting

Director Ramakhanth Reddy. (Supplied)

The director disclosed that he got the idea for the film during one of his trips to Bengaluru when his co-passenger, a pregnant woman, was reading a psychology novel.

When he asked the woman not to read the book during pregnancy, she replied, “I know better!”

While the title of the film Kaliyugam Pattanamlo speaks of a fictional town, the film is set in Nandyal town of Andhra Pradesh.

Nestled in the vicinity of the Nallamalla forest region, Nandyala forms the backdrop for this tale, where the lush jungle and its medicinal herbs play a pivotal role.

“The title doesn’t denote the name of any town or city. It denotes the Yuga we are living and how individuals in this ‘Kaliyugam‘. The world the film is set in has been likened to a city inhabited by an assorted set of individuals,” Ramakhanth Reddy explained.

About the hero’s character, Ramakhanth Reddy said, “While his story starts from a physiatric facility, his character is much more than that. It’s best witnessed on the big screen.”

He added, “The film delivers not only suspense and thrills but also a powerful dose of motherly sentiment. It features the elements of love, action, and a profound message — all woven seamlessly into the storyline.”

On his entry into films

Ramakhanth Reddy was always attracted to filmmaking. However, after assisting Kodi Ramakrishna in Arundhathi (2009), he decided to pursue filmmaking full-time.

The director recalls an incident about his filmmaking journey. “While studying in Vizag, I transitioned into the film industry. I frequently travelled to Hyderabad and attempted to break into films. I also collaborated on several film projects.”

He added, “When the coronavirus pandemic hit, I decided to take up films as a serious profession. I have also worked as a ghostwriter for several films.”

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About team Kaliyugam Pattanamlo

Annapurna Studios is the distriibutor of ‘Kaliyugam Pattanamlo’. (X)

The director shared that Vishva Karthikeyan liked the script and gave his nod to the project.

Praising the actor, Ramakhanth Reddy quipped, “He looked soft in his previous movies. This movie is completely different in terms of its characterisation. This movie will remain a milestone in Vishva’s career. He will be identified with this film in the future.”

About the female leads, he explained that Aayushi Patel and Chitra Shukla have prominent character arcs in Kaliyugam Pattanamlo, while Chitra Shukla plays a cop.

Ajay Arasada scored the music for the Telugu movie, while Chandrabose and Bhaskaratabhatla penned the lyrics.

Charan Madhavaneni worked as the cinematographer.

About producers

Ramakhanth Reddy is elated over his directorial debut Kaliyugam Pattanamlo being released by the prestigious banner — Annapurna Studios.

The director shared that one of the producers, Mahesh, was his cousin and the other two — Obul Reddy and Ramesh — have no film background.

“Obul Reddy owns educational institutes. He heard the story and immediately approved it. He also gave us full support by allowing us to shoot at their schools and other properties in Kadapa and Hyderabad,” Ramakthanth Reddy recollected.

The Telugu director signed off by revealing that his next venture would be Kaliyugam Nagaramlo, a sequel to Kaliyugam Pattanamlo.

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