Shreeram, popularly known as Shri Mahadev, who is currently part of Amulya’s comeback film Peekaboo, with 50 per cent of its shoot completed, is equally excited about his next, Premada Oorali, a heartfelt musical love story that has already wrapped up filming. The upcoming film marks the return of National Award-winning director Manoj Kumar, who earlier won acclaim for his film Akshi. Interestingly, it is this project that has left Shri deeply fulfilled, especially because of the role he plays that of a farmer navigating love, family, and an emotional father-son bond.

Shri shares that stepping into the shoes of a farmer was not easy. “I practised farming for one month because I couldn’t naturally get the body language right. Farmers have a macho, rustic presence. The way they stand, speak, and carry themselves is very rooted,” he says. To prepare, he moved to Mandya and lived there for a month. “My day would begin at 5.30 am. I started with milking cows and worked in the fields. I observed them closely and behaved like one among them. That experience was unforgettable. It changed me as an actor and as a person,” he adds. Speaking about the love story in the film, he says, “It’s not just about falling in love. It’s about responsibility, family, and understanding relationships.”

Television actor Ramika Shivu, known for Neenade Naa, makes her big-screen debut as the female lead opposite Shri. Actors Thapaswini Poonacha and Rangayana Raghu play pivotal roles in the film.

Director Manoj Kumar says, “Rangayana Raghu sir is like a guiding light. Shri has put in immense effort for this role. Premada Oorali is a musical love story, and the background score brings soul to the narrative.” Raghu adds, “When Shri told me it was a rural subject, I was instantly interested. I love village stories.”

Produced under Vanilla Entertainments and Janakamma Productions, with music by Sunad Gowtham and cinematography by Rajakanth SK, the film is currently in post-production. A release date will be announced soon.