People Media Factory, Abhishek Agarwal Arts and Venkatadri Talkies currently await the release of Sundeep Kishan-starrer 'A1 Express'. Directed by Dennis Jeevan, the film is a remake of a Tamil movie.Set to hit the cinemas on March 5, the hockey-based movie has Lavanya Tripathi as the female lead. In this interview, the producers of 'A1 Express' talk about the movie and their journey so far.
It was Sundeep Kishan who came up with the idea of remaking a Tamil movie in Telugu. That's how 'A1 Express' was born. As producers, we loved the idea of making a hockey-based movie, which is a first in Telugu. Hockey is integral to the story. We have seen cricket-based movies (such as 'Jersey' and 'Dear Comrade'), but hockey has never been touched before. 'A1 Express' is different.
Director Dennis Jeevan made it a point to shoot the sports scenes in real locations even during the pandemic. We zeroed in on hockey stadiums for the purpose. As much as Rs 10 crore has gone into making the film.
The investment is going to be seen in terms of output. We are certain that 'A1 Express' will live up to the high expectations. From the visuals to the BGM by Hiphop Tamizha, everything is spot-on.
It's true that our movie was supposed to release in theatres last year. In fact, the first copy was to be ready by April. The pandemic struck unexpectedly. We used the several months of time we had at our disposal to fine-tune the post-production output. Through the period, we rejected OTT offers with the sole aim of giving the audience a wholesome theatrical experience.
It was not easy to shoot the sports scenes at the height of the pandemic. All the safety precautions had to be put in place for the same.
'A1 Express' is not just about hockey. There is also a love track.
(People's Media Factory is set to produce a Ravi Teja movie. The untitled project will go on the floors in April. 'Power Peta' with Nithin, 'Raja Raja Chora' with Sree Vishnu, and 'Maryada Krishnayya' with Sunil are being made by the banner. Besides, 'Kartikeya 2' with Nikhil Siddhartha and 'Palana Abbayi Palana Ammayi' with director Srinivas Avasarala is in its kitty. In all, about 15 projects have been undertaken by the production house).
