After the success of her past ventures, producer Prerna Arora returns with a grand vision Jatadhara, a bilingual supernatural thriller that promises to push boundaries. In an exclusive conversation, she sheds light on the film’s scale, star cast, and her deep-rooted admiration for the Telugu film industry.
Everyone is talking about Jatadhara being a big-budget film?
It is true Jatadhara is an expensive film and it’s going to be one of the most expensive Telugu films ever. It will be positioned as Hindi and Telugu films. We are also dubbing it in other South Indian languages.
Was it a deliberate strategy to have both Telugu and Bollywood actors?
Of course, the positioning will be here because we have neutral actors and it’s, of course, Pan India is the aim. I am so happy to have Zee Studios as my partner. After Rustom, this is my second, this is my second collaboration with Zee and I’m so happy. It’s like being home in the most conducive atmosphere. There’s so much freedom to work creatively. My relationship with Zee is much more than monetary.
Please explain?
It’s not only about profits. It’s more of from the heart and a lot of respect which I have for the entire team of Zee Studios. In today’s time when things are so tough and it’s highly competitive, when a film is backed and presented by an established studio the film gets its muscle. I feel really good and secure as an independent film producer. You know, a studio is like an umbrella and I feel so protected.
Is Jatadhara a horror comedy like Stree?
Not really. There is no funny business in Jatadhara. You know, Stree is a horror comedy. I love Raj and DK. I’ve always admired them. But our film Jatadhara is a supernatural thriller and I’m not a filmmaker who follows a trend. I’m the one who breaks the trend.
You think so?
I’m not being pompous or being overconfident. But what I’m trying to say is that my films are original and they convey a sense of. As a producer and a member of the audience I make sure not to make things very complex for people to understand. You don’t have to prove things here. As an avid moviegoer I think I understand emotions. I don’t want to follow any trend. I want to walk the road not taken. I think that is where I come very.
What was it like working with Sudheer Babu?
My first actor from the Telugu industry and since Jatadhara is a pan-India film and since there is a lot of recognition he has in Bombay, I think this is really going to bring an insane amount of crowds because I think he’s done a brilliant job and he’s always been my favourite. I’m really fortunate to work with people who I really adore and, you know, working with them gets you different kind of happiness and it’s been very blissful journey. And of course there are important names in the cast hidden as of now, as we begin the journey of Jatadhara, we’ll slowly and steadily open names and bring a different film.
And Sonakshi Sinha?
She is a really beautiful, beautiful person, beautiful actress. She’s gorgeous and very, very aristocratic actress. I think she’s very elegant and that’s what I loved about her. This was my first film with her, but I was totally in awe of her way of her, it’s her persona and the dignity she has. I think that is very, very charming about her, you know, she’s reserved as, and so professional, so good. And so like, you know, supportive to a producer and just, just, just very, very beautiful.
When is Jatadhara releasing?
Very soon and it’s best left to the, left to Zee Studios to announce a date, which I’m very excited about.
Your next?
My next film is again a pan-India film, in partnership. Right now I’ll keep it till here, yes, but yes, it’s another big film with a studio and it’s a Telugu Pan India film again. The Telugu film industry is the most professional and no-nonsense in India.
