(L) Suriya in Vishwanath and Sons; (R) Venky Atluri 
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Venky Atluri on Vishwanath and Sons: 'Audiences won't expect the climax…'

Venky Atluri reflected on fulfilling his dream of directing Suriya, recalled the emotional first narration that set the project in motion, and more

Cinema Express Desk

Director Venky Atluri expressed confidence that Vishwanath and Sons would strike an emotional chord with audiences, describing it as a wholesome family entertainer with a fresh take on relationships.

Speaking at the film's audio launch on Sunday, the filmmaker reflected on fulfilling his dream of directing Suriya, recalled the emotional first narration that set the project in motion, and shared anecdotes from the film's sets. He also promised audiences an entertaining theatrical experience, saying the film was made to be enjoyed with the entire family.

"In 2023, someone asked me who I wanted to work with, and I said, 'Suriya sir.' I don't know if it was a manifestation or if angels were listening, but today I'm directing him in this beautiful film." Recalling his first narration, Venky said producer Rajasekar Pandian immediately backed the project. "I still remember narrating the story to Raja sir. He literally teared up, called Suriya sir immediately and said, 'Let's do this film.' When I narrated it to Suriya sir two days later, he loved it and blessed me with this film."

Describing the atmosphere on the sets, the director said the cast functioned more like a family than co-stars. "Mamitha was like a little sister on the set. You never felt she was an actress; she felt like family. The entire set wasn't just full of actors—it was full of friends." He also spoke about the camaraderie between the senior actors. "Radikaa ma'am treated everyone like family. She treated Suriya sir like her own brother, and her banter with Sunil sir was one of the most enjoyable things to watch on set."

Calling Vishwanath and Sons a wholesome entertainer, the filmmaker urged audiences to watch it with their families. "This isn't just a film for fans. Bring your mother, father and your entire family. You'll walk out of the theatre with a heart full of happiness." Confident about the film's entertainment value, Venky said he was making only one promise to audiences. "I'm not making tall claims. The film is under two hours, and I'm sure you'll be entertained for at least 100 minutes. Trust me—I was a CBSE student, I never scored full marks."

Without revealing too much about the story, he teased one of the film's standout moments. "We've all had those awkward moments when our parents discover the mischievous things we've done. The relationship between Suriya sir and Radikaa ma'am is built around that emotion, and there's a 10-minute comedy stretch that you're absolutely going to love."

Venky also described Vishwanath and Sons as a fresh take on relationships. "This is going to be a new-age human love story. The climax is something I don't think audiences would have seen before, and I hope they'll support us." Finally, he credited the people around him for his success. "When you're surrounded by good and positive people, I think their luck rubs off on you."

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