Working with Ravichandran sir is a rare opportunity: Kireeti at the first single launch of Junior

The makers of Sreeleeela-starrer Junior, a Kannada-Telugu bilingual, announced July 18 as the release date for the film On Monday, the first single of the film was released. Devi Sri Prasad is the music director for Junior, which also marks the film debut of Kireeti, son of former Karnataka minister and industrialist Gali Janardhan Reddy. 

Titled ‘Let’s Live This Moment,’ the first single from Junior is a peppy composition that begins with a casual groove and easygoing vibe before picking up a more energetic tone in its verses. Devi Sri Prasad has sung the energetic number written by Shreemani. The song video, choreographed by Vijay Polaki, is picturised on the film’s leads, Kireeti and Sreeleela against colorful and splashy locales.

Junior, billed as a pan-India family entertainer, is produced by Rajani Korrapati under the banner of Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram. Directed by Radha Krishna, the film also marks the return of Genelia D'Souza to Telugu and Kannada cinema while veteran actor Dr Ravichandra V appears in a pivotal role.

Kireeti Reddy, who is making his debut with Junior, spoke about his journey. He stated, "My journey with this film spanned 3 years, including a year of bed rest because I hurt my back. I am fortunate to have worked with talented individuals like DSP, Vijay Poojary, Senthil, and Ravichandran sir." Detailing his working experience with Ravichandran, Kireeti added, "As a newcomer, working with him for 25 days was a rare opportunity, and every moment was special. Junior is a family story that touches the heart, and Ravichandran sir's ability to evoke emotions is incredible."

Talking about being a part of Junior, Devi Sri Prasad said, "Thank you director Radhakrishna for coming up with this wonderful story. I'm grateful to be part of Junior. His love stories are unforgettable, leaving us with cherished memories." Devi Sri Prasad praised Ravichandran, who plays a prominent role in Junior, adding, "Your stage presence is electrifying. The connection between Kannada and Telugu cinema is beautiful – we're interrelated. Your brilliance shines through his work."

The composer also praised Kireeti Reddy for choosing this script. Further talking about the Kireeti, DSP said, "He has a great future ahead – he's prepared and dedicated." Devi Sri Prasad also thanked Shreemani for the meaningful lyrics and DOP KK Senthil Kumar, whom he described as a 'pillar for Junior.' DSP also spoke about the importance of acknowledging lyricist's contribution towards a successful song. "Unless there are words, there is no way to address a song properly," he noted.

Talking about the film's lead pair, Kireeti and Sreeleela, DSP said, "They will surely set the screen on fire with their energetic performances.

While Genelia was not present at the event, DSP sang his iconic 'Appudo Ippudo' song, from Genelia's 2006 blockbuster Bommarillu, welcoming her back to the industry.

Ravichandran said at the event, "Every element of this film is its strongest pillar. When Radhakrishna tells the story, he whispers, but it touches the soul. His script is well-crafted, with a beautiful story and sentiments. For all of you, he is 'Junior', but for me, it's 'My Junior'. "

Further talking about his working experience, Ravichandran said, "The journey was long, but the happiness it brought is what matters. Kireeti deserves to win. He has dreams and passion, and he chose a script that gives importance to every aspect of the film, and not just action. I appreciate his patience and dedication."

The senior actor also praised DSP and Senthil Kumar for their work on the film. Talking about his role, Ravichandran added, "I had an important role to play, and was given 15 days on the call sheet, but Kireeti took 45 days. I appreciate his patience and dedication. This film is different, and it gave me a chance to showcase my performance. The father-son sentiment is beautifully portrayed. I'm glad to be a part of it."

The film's cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, who marks his Kannada debut with Junior, stated, "It's a proud moment for me, working on this film. Every moment with the team is memorable. Every frame, every sound is meticulously crafted."

Talking about debutant Kireeti, Senthil Kumar said, "his debut in 'Junior' was perfect. It never felt like he was a newcomer. He has tremendous potential, and working with him was a delight. He will probably rule the industry for some time." Praising DSP's work for the film, Senthil added, "His music is the backbone of Junior. DSP's stamp on the film makes it special."

Junior also boasts a strong technical crew, with action choreography by Peter Hein and production design by Ravinder. Dialogues are written by Kalyan Chakravarthy Tripuraneni, and editing is by Niranjan Devaramene.