The success meet of Irumudi was held at a star hotel on Monday evening, with the team getting emotional over the overwhelming response to the film. Shiva Nirvana directed the film, while Ravi Teja and Priya Bhavani Shankar played the lead pair in this intense family drama. Mythri Movie Makers produced the film, which reached its breakeven point in just three days. The film has also been recording strong collections, including impressive numbers on Monday.
Speaking about the success, director Shiva Nirvana said that some films give money while others bring awards, but Irumudi has given him everything. “Some films give money and some films give awards, but Irumudi has given everything. The producers, hero, distributors, audience and even the canteen boy in a cinema theatre — whatever they want, this film gives everything to them,” said Shiva Nirvana. “For hero Ravi Teja, this film gives work satisfaction as an actor, while the distributors and producers are very happy with the profits. This film has given everything,” he added.
Shiva Nirvana made his directorial debut with the successful Ninnu Kori, followed by another big hit, Majili. He said both films helped him reach audiences, while Irumudi has taken him closer to their hearts. “Both those films took me to everyone’s house. Now, with Irumudi, I feel like it has taken me to everyone’s heart. I was overwhelmed and got emotional when I saw the messages people were posting on social media,” said the director.
The director made an interesting comment about the importance of heroes giving filmmakers creative freedom. According to him, Irumudi would not have been possible without Ravi Teja’s trust.
“When heroes give freedom to the director, films like Irumudi will come. Otherwise, we can’t make films like this. I told Ravi Teja that a person would hit him before the interval, and Ravi accepted it gracefully. If he had said, ‘My fans won’t agree if some unknown artist hits me,’ then Irumudi may not have happened, and I wouldn’t have got this good name,” said Shiva Nirvana.
He added that when heroes give directors complete freedom, filmmakers can work sincerely and confidently. Otherwise, they may constantly feel restricted while making the film. “For Irumudi, Ravi Teja was ready to do anything. I asked him to wear a lungi, and he did it. I asked him to remove his shirt, and he did it. Whatever I asked him to do, he did without a second thought because he had complete confidence in me and left everything to me. Because of him, the film has come out so well, and today you can see the result,” said Shiva Nirvana.
The director also praised producer Naveen Yerneni and said a producer should understand and connect with a story rather than simply focus on money and collections. “A producer is not just someone who puts in money and checks the collections; he should also be sensible. When I first narrated the story to Naveen garu, he literally cried, and I had to console him. A producer should be sensible and have an emotional response to the story. It’s not just about money and collections. The people at Mythri Movie Makers are like friends to me,” said Shiva Nirvana.
Shiva Nirvana also praised Baby Nakshatra and credited her mother for bringing her up well. “Nakshatra is like a daredevil. She never gives up and always wants to do more. She used to ask me whether I was completely satisfied with a scene and would want to do it again if she felt there was more she could do. Her mother entrusted Nakshatra to us, and everyone in the unit treated her like their own daughter. She is fantastic,” said Shiva Nirvana.
The director also praised female lead Priya Bhavani Shankar and Swasika for their performances. He assured that he would write more scenes for Priya Bhavani Shankar in his next film.
