The lead pair of the film, Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur, dedicated 'The Family Star' to their respective fathers.
Team The Family Star at the pre-release press meet. (Supplied)
The forthcoming Telugu movie, The Family Star marks the second collaboration of actor Vijay Deverakonda, director Parasuram, and music composer Gopi Sundar after their blockbuster hit Geetha Gonvindam (2018).
The movie is gearing up for a grand release worldwide on 5 April. Incidentally, it is a special date for producer Raju who delivered a hit with the film Dil (2003) and became popular as “Dil Raju”.
The producer is well-known for making superhit family-oriented films — from Bommarillu (2006) to Balagam (2023).
“The family audience owned my films, except Srinivasa Kalyanam (2018). My upcoming outing, The Family Star, will also cater to the family audience but it is 70 percent love story and 30 percent family story. So, it will also cater to youth,” Dil Raju said at The Family Star pre-release event held in Hyderabad on Monday, 1 April.
He said it was a good film made with the best content and would impress the audience. “We added aesthetic beauty to the movie through various locations. Otherwise, it is a proper Telugu film. The sound mixing is going on and will be released in theatres in four days,” he added.
The producer also announced that he signed Vijay Deverakonda for two more ventures.
Mrunal Thakur plays Indu in ‘The Family Star’. (Supplied)
Mrunal Thakur said the film showcases ups and downs in life, achievements and struggles, emotions, relationships, and hard work.
“But, above all, it is about the people who inspire and motivate us. I signed this film because it is relatable. Also, I resonate with my character Indu. The movie celebrates the heroes, who we always take for granted and forget to thank. The Family Star is my gift to my father,” the Hi Nanna (2023) actor said.
Mrunal Thakur revealed that there would be some cute moments in the relationship of the lead pair and the film captures them beautifully.
“There are several emotions and stages in the relationship the lead pair shares. Sometimes, he is so cute that Indu calls him ‘Evandi‘. Sometimes, he is so cranky that she calls him ‘Mental Naa Kodaka (paagal kaheeka). You have to watch the film to understand why she uses that word.”
As regards her role in The Family Star, Mrunal elucidated, “Indu is important because she exists in our personal lives as well. She brings a sense of belongingness and cherishness for people to celebrate, which is why I signed the film.”
About her co-star Vijay Deverakonda, the actor revealed that she met Vijay during Sita Ramam (2022) promotions. “I really look forward to working again with him. He was supportive throughout the shoot. But between him (Vijay) and his character in The Family Star, I’d say, Govardhan is a tough nut to crack, thanks to Parasuram’s writing.”
When asked why she is doing more films in Telugu and not many in Hindi, Murnal Thakur elucidated, “I want to live that part rather than just doing a character. I would only do films that I resonate with. I’m a person who lets my work speak. I want people to know me not as Mrunal Thakur but as Sita, Yashna, and Indu (my roles). I don’t want to be monotonous.”
When inquired about her favourite co-star, she said Dulquer Salmaan was a good friend, mentor, and best co-star. “He works in multiple languages and is a true inspiration for me.”
Vijay Deverakonda plays Govardhan in ‘The Family Star’, (Supplied)
Vijay Deverakonda revealed that he liked the idea when Bujji (Parasuram) told the concept of The Family Star before COVID-19. However, he asked him to develop a bound script and narrate the story again.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I approached Dil Raju garu for monetary help and he gave me an advance amount for our film, which he usually never does. I told him then about Bujjji’s concept. After a few days, Dil Raju and Bujji came to me with the bound script,” he recalled.
Vijay said The Family Star story was quite relatable since the elements and incidents reminded him of his father.
The Rowdy Star disclosed that he asked director Parasuram that his character be named Govardhan, after his father. “I love you, Govardhan Rao. I hope you feel proud about this film,” he quipped.
He added, “The Family Star is not a title or characterisation. Every family has a star who stands by, protects, and supports family members, and leaves no stone unturned for one’s family. My father Govardhana Rao is my family star.”
Recollecting an incident from his childhood, Vijay Deverakonda said he studied in a hostel and used to visit home only for two months during summer.
“I was promised a cycle by my father every summer but in vain. He finally got me one and it was Lady Bird. Likewise, every time I asked for something, he used to set up a goal for me and gave me hope and energy to look forward to. The Family Star reminded me of many such incidents in my real life. Hence, it is relatable.”
Murnal and Vijay with producer Dil Raju at ‘The Family Star’ pre-release press meet. (Supplied)
Vijay Deverakonda gave total credit for The Famly Star to Parasuram Petla. He said he did what he was asked to by the filmmaker, including his body language, dialect, and performance.
The actor also revealed that he was rejected in the auditions of Kerintha (2015), produced by Dil Raju. “I was hurt then but I decided to prove myself. And now, here I am. Dil Raju garu gave me an advance for the film long back and I’m about to deliver him a hit through The Family Star.”
When pointed out that the movie’s album was not as appealing and popular as Geetha Govindam, Vijay explained that his new movie is far better in crafts, making, storytelling, and every other element, including music.
The actor disclosed that he started charging proper remuneration only from Kushi (2023). And until then, he was only working for a little amount.
To a question, he quipped that Geetha Govindam was a huge success commercially but Arjun Reddy (2017) became iconic because of the writing and characterisation.
When asked if he would work with debutant directors, Vijay said, “The load of the budget of my films is higher of late and I’m accountable for the budget riding on my projects. Hence, I prefer filmmakers who made at least one movie so I can understand what they can deliver on screen.”
And finally, about his marriage, Vijay Deverakonda replied that he wouldn’t marry a girl without his parents’ consent. “We need to be careful in selecting the spouse. Moreover, I still have time to get hitched,” he signed off.
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