Popular director Sukumar, under his banner Sukumar Writings, along with Bunny Vas, had earlier announced that they were producing a film with Priyadarshi as the lead actor and introducing Nagadurga as the female lead. The film titled Idupu Kayitham was officially launched on Thursday at Annapurna Studios, with Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj attending as the chief guest.
Nagadurga is a popular name in Telangana folk singing and dance. Directed by young filmmaker Vamsi Reddy Dondapati, Idupu Kayitham is an entertaining family drama set against a Telangana backdrop.
Renowned Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj attended the launch event and unveiled the film’s first-look poster. Prominent personalities including Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, Naveen Yerneni, KL Damodar Prasad, SKN, Bapineedu, Dheeraj Mogilineni, directors Meher Ramesh, Chandoo Mondeti, Sai Rajesh, Venu Udugula, and Sai Marthand were also present. Allu Aravind gave the ceremonial clap for the muhurtham shot.
Director Vamsi Reddy Dondapati thanked everyone who attended the film’s launch event. “I am especially grateful to Tabitha Garu (Sukumar’s wife) for believing in this story from the moment I narrated it. Without trust, no one can grow. I also thank Sukumar Garu, Bunny Vas, Priyadarshi, Venu Udugula, Poojari Nageswara Rao, and Boosam Jaganmohan Reddy for their support. I hope audiences will stand by our film,” said Vamsi.
Producer Thabitha Sukumar said that she was born and brought up in Hyderabad and is a proud Telangana woman. “When Vamsi narrated the story, I was reminded of incidents from my childhood and how elders used to handle family situations. I instantly connected with the story and told Sukumar that we should make this film under Sukumar Writings. Vamsi has written the characters and emotions exceptionally well. I could visualise the entire film while listening to the narration. Even after seeing the poster today, I felt confident that audiences would connect deeply with the film. I believe this will become a milestone project for Sukumar Writings,” said Thabitha.
Producer Bunny Vas said they are making the film with a remarkable story that can connect with audiences across languages. “Even if it is screened in Bihar with subtitles, audiences there would connect with it. Every family has a common issue, and this film revolves around that. Once the film releases, daughters should take their in-laws to watch it, and sons should take theirs separately,” said Bunny Vas.
He added that after watching the film, relationships would become stronger. “That is all I can reveal for now. The strength of this story attracted every artist involved. Vamsi comes from Jammikunta, and although I have never visited the place, his narration made me feel as if I was there. Through Idupu Kayitham, we are going to present a wonderful Telugu film,” he said.
Speaking about female lead Nagadurga, Bunny Vas said he was impressed with her clarity and professionalism. “She has already earned popularity through YouTube, and we are preparing a special song for her that will be a major attraction. Priyadarshi was instrumental in bringing this story to us. If I had not done this film, I would have missed an extraordinary story,” he added.
Female lead Nagadurga said that many people know her through her folk songs on YouTube. “Now, I am making my debut as a heroine with the wonderful film Idupu Kayitham. It is the dream of many girls to become a heroine, and I have received this opportunity. I thank everyone who supported me,” she said.
She added, “I believed in this story, and the story believed in me. When Vamsi Garu narrated it, I felt extremely happy. I thank Bunny Vas Garu and Sukumar Garu for giving me this opportunity. They told me that talent will always reach the right place and receive the recognition it deserves. Those words gave me confidence.”
Talking about her role as Srilatha, Nagadurga said, “The character carries immense emotional weight. Initially, I was unsure if I could do justice to it, but Vamsi Garu gave me the confidence to perform it. Celebrating my 25th birthday in Sukumar Garu’s presence is something I will never forget. I cannot imagine a better debut.”
Lead actor Priyadarshi said that watching the launch event of Idupu Kayitham filled him with happiness and pride. He thanked Sukumar, Bunny Vas, and Tabitha for believing in him for this film.
“I will be playing a character named Srinivas, and I am ready to do everything required to bring him to life. While the film is rooted in Telangana, with its language, dialect, food, and culture, it is ultimately a global story,” said Priyadarshi.
“Whether we shoot in Jammikunta, Illanthakunta, Hyderabad, or Sanath Nagar, the roots of this story exist in every household. It is a story that belongs to my own home as well. When Vamsi narrated it, I immediately felt it was my story, and the entire team felt the same. From now on, we will let our work speak,” he added.
Apart from lead pair Priyadarshi and Nagadurga, the cast includes Shivajyothi (Teenmaar Savitri), Jordar Sujatha, Chandravva, Mounika Reddy, Racha Ravi, Bithiri Sathi, Abhai Bethiganti, Mime Madhu, and others.
Ashish Teja is the art director, while Sreedhar Sompally is the editor. MN Bal Reddy is the cinematographer, and Suresh Bobbili is the music director. The story, screenplay, and direction are handled by Vamsi Reddy Dondapati.
