Gandhi Tatha Chettu, featuring Sukumar Bandreddi’s daughter Sukriti Veni Bandreddi in the lead role, will be released in theatres on January 24th. Directed by Padmavati Malladi, the film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Sukumar Writings, and Gopi Talkies. Tabitha Sukumar is presenting the movie, while Naveen Yerneni, Yalamanchili Ravishankar, and Shesha Sindhu Rao have jointly produced it.
Today, the film’s team interacted with the media in Hyderabad. Speaking at the Rachabanda event, director Sukumar said that his daughter is fond of singing. “She started singing in Standard IX. Having seen her being playful at home, I didn’t believe she had acting range. At first, I declined to let her act in this movie. When Gandhi Tatha Chettu came her way, I had my share of doubts. Since Padmavati akka insisted, I let her give a narration. When I saw the first clip of Sukriti’s performance, I was pleasantly surprised. I expect the artists in my films to possess excellent acting abilities. I spend months zeroing in on artists. The casting process for Rangasthalam and Pushpa went on for 8-9 months. I expect my artists to be versatile. Sukriti surprised a person like me. I won’t shy away from boasting that my daughter has performed so well. Producer Sindhu Rao toiled a lot to complete the film somehow. Director Padmavati akka wrote the script in such a way that I was hooked to her narration. I have always believed that those who are good at narration can execute good films without fail. When I narrated Arya script to Chiranjeevi garu, Allu Aravind garu asked him if an inexperienced person like me would be able to execute the project. Chiranjeevi garu told him that I will direct it efficiently because my narration was effective.”
Sukumar added, “Padmavati akka will go places without an iota of doubt. I thank her for casting my daughter. I will be indebted to her. Lavanya, who has played my daughter’s mother in the movie, has performed so well. In a lighter vein, it pinched me seeing my daughter address someone else as her parents in the film (laughs). Entertainment is my message. When I used to write poetry much before I entered the film industry, I would be a sensitive person. When I was new to the industry, someone said that the commercial field doesn’t suit me. I went to my guru, who told me anything that involves investment is business. He inspired me to think about entertaining others. I made it my purpose to entertain others, to bring them happiness. But if entertainment is matched with a message, it’s a bonus. This is why I am jealous of those who have made Gandhi Tatha Chettu. Make this a Rs 100 Cr movie! The Trailer of Gandhi Tatha Chettu has so much feel. It feels like Nature. This film must work for Sindhu and Paddu akka, not even for Sukriti.”
Tabitha Sukumar said that she was not confident about her daughter’s acting skills at first. “It is the director who trusted Sukriti’s abilities. I must thank Mythri Movie Makers and my husband on this occasion for bringing the film out before the audience. Since our film received appreciation in the festival circuit, I wished for a theatrical release. It is becoming a reality. I urge the audience to encourage Gandhi Tatha Chettu.” Tabitha turned emotional talking about her daughter’s journey.
The film has already been screened at several international film festivals, winning multiple awards. Sukriti Veni also received the Best Child Artist award for her performance.
The cast of Gandhi Tatha Chettu includes Sukriti Veni, Anand Chakrapani, Raghuram, Bhanu Prakash, Nehal Anand Kunkuma, and Rag Mayur. The music is composed by Re, while cinematography is handled by Srijith Cheruvupalli and Vishwa Devabattula. Editing is by Harishankar TN, and the lyrics are written by Suddala Ashok Teja, Kasarla Shyam, and Vishwa. The production design is by V. Nani Pandu, with Ashok Bandreddy as the co-producer and Abhinay Chilukamarri as the executive producer. The film is written and directed by Padmavati Malladi.
