There are only a certain number of stories that can be told — it’s the element of unique characterisation that makes any film new and exciting. That’s what Siddu Jonnalagadda believes in, and consistently reinstates as one of the biggest strengths of his latest film Telusu Kada, during one of his recent interactions with media.
Directed by Neerraja Kona, Telusu Kada promises to focus on the intertwined lives of its three protagonists — Raaga (Srinidhi Shetty), Anjali (Raashii Khanna), and Varun (Siddu Jonnalagadda). Siddu says that while both Raaga and Anjali are extremely strong characters, Varun is even stronger than them. “That’s what appealed to me about this role and this script,” he adds. The trailer of Telusu Kada also led people to draw comparisons with Sandeep Reddy Vanga films. Siddu, however, asserts, “I am not sure about these comparisons, but Telusu Kada is an original film. It’s all built on conversations about familiar topics like love, family, relationships, but these scenes are built in a novel manner. We can’t slot it in a genre. Infact, after it’s release, it might spawn off a genre in itself.”
Siddu, who scored his first big hit in a post-COVID theatrical scenario with DJ Tillu, notes that things have drastically in terms of audience awareness in last few years. He adds, “It’s difficult to land a love story in these times. People have a lot of info and insights about love and relationships. Which is why there is a greater need for unique characterisation. Varun’s character creates an experience, and Telusu Kada is a character-driven film.”
Siddu speaks at length about what makes Varun, and by extension Telusu Kada, unique and interesting, refusing to be bogged down by the growing discourse about misogyny and toxic masculinity in contemporary times. Talking about his character Varun’s moral compass in the film, he says, “Morality is a vast term, a wide spectrum. What’s interesting is that your perspective about Varun will gradually change.” Recalling an instance from the dubbing stage, Siddu noted how a dubbing artiste left the studio cursing the male protagonist, on first day. However, Siddu recalls, “she came around the next day, and said, 'Maybe he is right afterall. I think I like him.' Boys will take to Varun instantly, though — he speaks the truth, unfiltered.”
Produced by People Media Factory, Telusu Kada arrives in theatres on Friday.
