It took almost a year for the medico-cum-filmmaker Yakub Ali’s Vellipomake to see the light of day. As the film finally hits theatres on September 2, the director expresses a sense of relief more than anything else. The film, he says, is a micro-budgeted venture made with an indie spirit that Dil Raju took up with utmost satisfaction. In a year where content has reigned over star power or big budgets, Yakub is happy to see his film reaching out to crowds. “When people compare Vellipomake to a Pelli Choopulu or a Kshanam, I assure it’s a film where there’s no apparent commercial flavour. We, at a point, didn’t even think of the film coming to theatres,” he laughs, adding that the film starring Vishvak Sen, Supraja and Swetha, is set in a space similar to Udaan and The Lunchbox.
Prashanth Vihari’s music has kept the buzz around Vellipomake alive over the months. Yakub adds that the trailer had repeat views and a few of their unique promotional strategies paid off well.
On sustaining his interest over the project for a long time, he says, “I’m happy to have continued with my job as a dentist for a few months when the film didn’t release on an expected date. People supported me throughout; I kept getting offers from a few people including Annapurna Studios and actor Nikhil who had watched the early previews. However, I gave it some time, for I had my own sensibilities that I would want to put forth through a movie.”
With many recent releases like Anando Brahma and Arjun Reddy turning successful, he says getting a release is tricky but he has no complaints. “Dil Raju has done everything to get a good release, his suggestions were instrumental in coming up with a better result,” he signs off.