Varun Tej, who is currently busy shooting for Korean Kanakaraju, has now launched another project titled Bhari. The film is directed by Yadhu Vamsi of Committee Kurrollu fame and is being produced by his sister Niharika Konidela under the Pink Elephant Pictures banner.
The film was formally launched on Saturday morning at a private studio in Hyderabad. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
For the muhurat shot, Pawan Kalyan gave the clap, while Naveen Yerneni of Mythri Movie Makers switched on the camera. Director Merlapaka Gandhi and producer Rajeev Reddy handed over the script.
Bhari is said to be a period village drama set against the backdrop of volleyball, making it a sports-based film with an emotional core.
Speaking at the launch, Varun Tej said, “After my debut film Mukunda, my uncle Pawan Kalyan garu has once again attended the launch of my film. I am very happy to begin Bhari under his blessings. It feels very special to work as a hero in a film produced by Niharika. We never planned to do a film together, but Vamsi’s script brought us together.”
He added that he liked the story immediately and agreed to the project because of his confidence in the team. “Pre-production is already complete, and I have started volleyball practice as well. We are planning to release Bhari next Sankranti,” he said.
Niharika Konidela said that launching a film with her brother is an emotional moment for her. “My father has made films with family members, including his brothers. Today I understand how special that feeling is. I’m also very happy that my uncle Pawan Kalyan garu attended the launch,” she said.
She described Bhari as a village drama with a sports backdrop and said Yadhu Vamsi has once again come up with a strong story. “I am happy to collaborate again with the Committee Kurrollu team. I want audiences to feel confident whenever they see the Pink Elephant Pictures name on a poster,” she added.
Director Yadhu Vamsi revealed that after Committee Kurrollu, he spent nearly a year working on another idea that eventually did not materialise. During that period, he developed the concept of a story set in the world of volleyball.
“As soon as I thought of volleyball, Varun garu came to mind. I narrated the idea to Niharika and later to Varun garu after completing the script in three months. He loved it immediately,” said Yadhu Vamsi.
The director also shared that Varun Tej surprised him the previous night by saying a special guest would attend the launch. “When he told me it was Pawan Kalyan garu, I was shocked. Having him at the event is a huge encouragement for our young team,” he said.
The team plans to complete the shoot quickly and bring Bhari to theatres during Sankranti next year.