Ari is an engaging film from start to finish – Director Jayashankarr

Under the banner of ARVY Cinemas, the film “Ari” is presented by Ramireddy Venkateshwara Reddy (RV Reddy) and produced by Srinivas Ramireddy D, Sheshureddy Maramreddy, Dr. Thimmappa Naidu Purimetla, and Biram Sudhakar Reddy, with Linga Gunapaneni as the co-producer. The film carries the tagline “My Name is Nobody.” Starring Vinod Varma, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Sai Kumar, and Srikanth Iyengar in key roles, the movie is directed by Jayashankarr, the talented filmmaker who rose to fame with Paper Boy. Ari is set for a worldwide grand theatrical release on October 10 through Asian Suresh Distribution. In a recent interview, director Jayashankarr spoke in detail about the highlights of the film.

“I left a good job purely out of passion for cinema and entered the film industry in 2014. Within four years, I made my debut as a director with Paper Boy (2018). I received offers from big production houses after my first film, but due to the pandemic and other circumstances, those projects didn’t materialize. In 2021, I began working on Ari.”

“I’ve always been deeply fascinated by our Puranas and epics. They talk about conquering the Arishadvargas (the six inner enemies, desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride, jealousy), but they never explain how to conquer them. The idea for Ari struck me in 2016. I even went to the Himalayas to meet yogis and discuss this concept. They guided me with several insights and methods to overcome the Arishadvargas, which became the foundation of this story. I didn’t want to make a preachy film, I wanted to tell it in an entertaining way, and I believe I’ve succeeded. Viva Harsha’s comedy portions will make audiences laugh heartily.”

“Ari could have easily been made with stars, but then their stardom might have overshadowed the essence of the roles. That’s why I chose actors like Sai Kumar, Anasuya, and Viva Harsha who perfectly fit the characters. The performances of all six lead actors will be a highlight of the film. Every character will leave a strong impression.”

“I didn’t make this film to deliver a message. I’m a big admirer of Upendra’s films, they carry a strong commercial appeal with deep philosophical layers. His style inspired me to make Ari. When I narrated the story, every actor felt emotionally connected to it and said such a subject hasn’t been attempted before.”

“The VFX work will be one of the film’s major attractions. Despite working within our budget limits, we achieved high-quality visuals. We also utilized AI technology for some sequences. The film has two songs, both of which received an excellent response.”

“The story deals with how human desires are intertwined, when we get what we want, ego arises; when others get it, envy takes over. These emotional contradictions are portrayed engagingly.”

“I made Ari in a way that even general audiences can easily understand the concept of Arishadvargas. That’s one reason the production took time to make it simple yet profound. The censor board appreciated the film and said it was heart-touching. They commended the storytelling and emotional depth. I’m confident the film will get strong openings because audiences always support meaningful cinema.”

“Eminent personalities like Venkaiah Naidu, Malladi, and Yandamoori Veerendranath watched Ari and appreciated it. Venkaiah Naidu garu called it a modern Bhagavad Gita, saying that even youth who haven’t read our epics will understand their essence through this film. We took that as a huge compliment. Ashwini Dutt also watched the movie and praised it. Moreover, a major Bollywood hero and a Kannada star saw the film and loved it. If all goes well, we’re planning remakes in Hindi and Kannada with them.”

“To make a film like Ari, producers need not just taste but courage. I’m blessed to have such supportive producers. This is not a regular movie; it’s experimental in nature. The budget went over the initial plan, but they continued supporting me wholeheartedly. Not every movie appeals to everyone — we know that. But just as there are people who go to pubs, there are many more who visit temples. We made this film for that spiritually inclined audience.”

“Ari will also resonate strongly with youth audiences. The pre-climax maintains suspense and curiosity about what will happen next, while the last 20 minutes, the climax will be exceptional. The story revolves around how far people go to achieve what they desire.”

“Up next, I’m working on a new project starring Jacqueline Fernandez, which will go on floors in December.”