In director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and his brother Pranay Reddy's production venture, Romanchakam, Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika are playing the lead roles. The film hit the screens on September 3.
Sumanth Prabhas, a die-hard fan of Prabhas, added the star's name to his during his childhood. He made his acting debut with Mem Famous, which he also directed. The film had a complete rural Telangana backdrop. His second film, Godari Gattupaina, was set against the backdrop of the Godavari and featured the region’s distinctive accent. Now, he is coming up with Romanchakam, which he says has a Hyderabad vibe. Despite his fandom, he hadn't met Prabhas till director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who is currently making Spirit with the superstar, facilitated a meet with Sumanth.
“As Sandeep anna promised, he took me to Prabhas and there are no words to explain that moment. It’s a completely fanboy moment for me, and I almost cried. I remember my entire journey after I met my favourite actor Prabhas. I come from a village and people don’t know about films and how they are made. I am the first person to enter the film industry, and they all told me only one thing, ‘maintain good relations with everyone’. I was a bit emotional at that time,” says Sumanth about his meeting with Prabhas.
He added that he had high expectations after hearing so much about Prabhas and his down-to-earth nature. “When I met Prabhas anna, I found him to be very simple, down-to-earth, and also he is proud that his fan became an actor,” says Sumanth.
He also shared a video in which Prabhas signed his name on Sumanth’s shirt and wished him that Romanchakam would become a bigger success than his Spirit. “He is working with Sandeep anna and Bhadrakali Pictures banner and I am also working with the same banner for this Romanchakam. It’s just a coincidence, and it’s Prabhas anna’s greatness to say like that,” says Sumanth, who is planning to laminate the signed shirt and hang it on his wall.
Before the film actually went on floors, the makers conducted a nearly six-month-long workshop for the cast. “The director wanted a specific body language and behaviour, so we did a nearly six-month workshop. I am not a complete introvert and at the same time not an extrovert; I stay in between, so the director wanted me to change completely. Bhadrakali Pictures is like an acting school for me, and when I saw the initial videos after six months, I found a drastic change in my acting. From now onwards, I want to have such workshops for all my upcoming films,” he said.
Talking about Romanchakam, Sumanth said that it is a complete fun film. “From the beginning to the end, you will be entertained, and there are a lot of fun moments in the film. I play a character who starts a startup company. I play an innocent and cute guy, and I can guarantee that you will enjoy watching the film,” says the actor.
Talking about how the film came about, Sumanth says it started with meeting Sandeep Reddy Vanga at a film function. “He told me, ‘There is a cute story. Listen to it.’ Since he is a famous director and experienced person, and when he liked the story, I said I will do it. When Venu anna narrated the script, I enjoyed all two and a half hours of it. Sandeep anna and Pranay anna may appear a certain way from the outside, but they are actually very sweet people,” says Sumanth.
Sumanth also felt happy that Vijay Deverakonda attended the pre-release event of Romanchakam. “He always encourages me, and I felt happy that he spoke positively about me at the event. I have always been greatly inspired by Vijay anna,” says the actor, who recalled a memorable moment with Vijay at a film function in Dubai. “I sat very far away as I didn't know anyone. There were many big actors from all the languages attending the function, and Vijay anna entered. He waved to everyone, saw me from a distance, came over, and hugged me. That moment I never forgot, and I thought that at least I knew one person when Vijay anna came to me.”
When asked about Sandeep's reaction to Romanchakam, Sumanth says, "Sandeep anna complimented me, saying that I had performed very well." He also shared that the makers wondered whether the title Romanchakam, which is quite unique, would connect with the audience. “But now it is almost becoming a catchphrase. I believe that after the film's release, many people will start using this word in their everyday conversations,” he said.
Talking about his co-star Ananthika, Sumanth said that she is a very talented actor. “She knows several art forms and can learn anything in a very short time. Working with her on this film was a great experience. I believe this film will also bring her good recognition,” says the actor.
Talking about his upcoming film, he said that he is working with Saailu Kampaati, who previously helmed Raju Weds Rambaai. “Suniel Narang of Asian Cinemas is producing the film and the shoot will start soon,” signs off Sumanth.