With a penchant for experimental storytelling and a track record of backing unconventional cinema, producer Cherry (Chiranjeevi) of Clap Entertainment is back with his latest venture, Jetlee. Known for his close association with Mythri Movie Makers and his knack for identifying "concept-first" scripts, Cherry opens up about his creative partnership with director Ritesh Rana, the transition of Jetlee from a serious thriller to a comedy, and why comedian Satya was the perfect choice to lead this high-flying entertainer. The film, co-starring Vennela Kishore, Ajay, Gundu Sudarshan, Reha Singha and others, is heading to theatres on May 1.
Jetlee was originally envisioned as a serious thriller. We approached a few established heroes, but we soon realized the story didn’t fit the traditional hero-centric mould. Ritesh then pivoted, reimagining it as a quirky comedy-thriller. When we narrated the script to Satya, he was initially skeptical. However, once the vision was clarified, he jumped on board.
Every character in the movie holds equal weight, and the action is designed with enough cinematic liberty to keep the audience entertained. Alongside Satya, we have a stellar ensemble.
What immediately struck me about Ritesh Rana’s narration was how distinct the subject felt. Nearly 80 percent of the film unfolds inside an aircraft, which is a fascinating and fresh premise for Telugu cinema. We haven’t really seen a full-length feature set almost entirely in flight. I share a very deep, almost paternal bond with Ritesh; he is a man of immense gratitude and always brings unique perspectives to the table. Because we share such a strong wavelength, working with him is incredibly comfortable, and I find myself naturally drawn to the stories he conceives. (Ritesh has previously made the two Mathu Vadalara movies and Happy Birthday under Clap Entertainment and Mythri)
Being associated with a powerhouse like Mythri Movie Makers is an hounour. While they focus on massive, star-studded combinations, my personal interest lies in exploring small-scale, experimental cinema. From a production standpoint, we deliberately choose 'concept-based' stories that mitigate risk. Even when films like Happy Birthday or Meter didn’t meet theatrical expectations, they proved to be commercially viable overall. This philosophy of novelty-driven filmmaking is what led us to projects like Mathu Vadalara and Jetlee.
The technical backbone of this film remains consistent with Ritesh’s previous works. He has worked with the same team of technicians since his debut, and that shared understanding is evident in the final output. Kala Bhairava’s music, in particular, sits well with the director’s vision. Regarding the cast, Rhea Singha is a remarkably talented actress who has delivered a very impressive performance in a well-written role.
We have watched the final cut, and it is a solid comedy-thriller. It isn’t just about the laughs; it is backed by a strong narrative that we believe will resonate with the audience.
The truth is, no one can accurately predict what the audience will embrace, but you can ensure that the story you choose offers something fresh. If there is novelty, the risk is worth taking.
I am planning a horror film with Ritesh, and fans can certainly look forward to Mathu Vadalara 3. There are a few other scripts currently under discussion with various directors, which will take some time to materialize as we continue to prioritize rooted, engaging stories.
