A new film titled 'Saleem' with Vishnu Vardhan Babu and Ileana has begun today with the pooja formalities in Taj Deccan Hotel, Hyderabad. Mohan Babu had participated in the pooja formalities. YVS Chowdary is taking up this project which is the 50th film under Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner. Vishnu had totally changed his looks by shedding lot of weight and now looks perfect next to Ileana. The regular shooting of the film will commence shortly. After 'Okka Magadu' this is the next project to YVS.

The film ‘Saleem’ starring Vishnu and Ileana in YVS Chowdary’s direction had a grand launch at Taj Deccan today, the September 1st. This is the 50th film for Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner. Hence the pooja formalities also took in a systematic way. Mohan Babu performed the pooja for the muhurat shot. Later Dasari tapped the clap-board on Vishnu and Ileana, Nagarjuna switched on the camera and the first shot was directed by Raghavendra Rao. Young heroes Prabhas & Kalyan Ram and latest sensation Sreenu Vytla were among the prominent Tollywood personalities who were invited for the function.

Dr.Mohan Babu conveyed that ‘Saleem’ which is the 50th film under Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner would be the biggest budgeted film ever. His ‘Pedarayudu’, a super hit film was also launched at the same venue, hence he wished that this film will also become as successful as his film. He even said that his long lasting association with YVS has made him to start a film with his son as hero in his direction.

“I feel honoured that the 50th film under Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner is taking shape in my direction and Mohan Babu garu started this banner with the film titled ‘Pratigna’. The muhurat shot has started with Vishnu’s punch dialogue ‘Istamaina Vallatho Takkuva Matladuthanu’. The regular shooting would be commenced by September 15 and the locations are Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, US and Malaysia. We are planning to release the film by March 2009,”said the director YVS Chowdary.

Further extending his speech YVS was in full of praises for Vishnu and compared his looks in Saleem postures with that of Amitabh Bachchan. “Saleem is a feel good film with powerful elements and high technical values which will be made in the lines of ‘Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo’ and ‘Devadasu’ put together. I introduced Ileana to Telugu film industry and she is one of my favourite heroines. Mohan Babu is doing a role which is of negative shade, but his characterization is molded in an entertaining way. I’m thrilled to work with both music director Sandeep Chowta and cinematographer Ram Prasad as this is the first time that we have been clubbed together,” said he.

Writer Gopi Mohan said that the characterization of Saleem is novel and the entire story revolves around the heroine.

“The story of Saleem is a war about love. Mohan Babu’s role and Sandeep Chowta’s music would stand as highlights for this film”, said another writer Ravi.

Both Vishnu and Ileana have shown their excitement for working with YVS and also expressed their happiness for working with each other. This is Ileana’second film under YVS direction after ‘Devadasu’ and the first film under Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner.