“Summer Holidays Is Not a Children’s Film, But a Film for Adults Featuring Children; It’s a Complete Entertainer” – Director Srikar Nayan
Dheeraj Mogilineni has earned a reputation as a successful producer and distributor by bringing content-driven films to audiences. He is now producing a children’s film titled “Summer Holidays” under his banner, Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainments. Directed by Srikar Nayan, the film is a beautiful story that takes audiences down memory lane, reminding them of their childhood memories. Master Rohan, Master Arun and Baby Khushi play the lead roles. “Summer Holidays” is set for a grand theatrical release on November 6. In a recent interview, director Srikar Nayan shared several interesting details about the film.
– I am from Visakhapatnam. I started making short films during my college days, which gradually developed my interest in scripting and filmmaking. After completing my education, I moved to Hyderabad and worked in the direction department for films like Thellavarithe Guruvaram. I had a few stories ready and started looking for opportunities. Through Madhura Sreedhar Reddy garu, I met Dheeraj Mogilineni and narrated a thriller story to him. He liked it but suggested that gaining some filmmaking experience would be beneficial before we took it forward. Later, a few production houses offered me opportunities, but the projects seemed likely to take a long time to go on floors. Subsequently, Dheeraj liked the story of Summer Holidays and gave me the opportunity. Once he came on board, everything moved quickly, from finalising the cast and technicians to completing the other preparations.
– The initial title we considered for the film was Summer Friend. The story revolves around two children from completely different backgrounds who become friends during their summer holidays. I developed the story around this idea. Most of us have wonderful memories of visiting our grandparents’ villages during summer vacations. Playing cricket, eating palm fruit, listening to our grandmothers’ stories and making new friends in the village are experiences we can all relate to. These memories inspired the story. However, I cannot say that the incidents in the film are directly based on my personal life. This is not a children’s film, but a film for adults featuring children. It is an out-and-out entertainer. The film is best experienced in theatres.
– Jayasudha garu plays Arun’s grandmother. My entire family is a huge fan of hers. The moment audiences see her in the grandmother’s role, they will instantly connect with her character. The scenes between Arun and Jayasudha garu will be deeply emotional and bring tears to the eyes. Audiences will find those moments truly heart-touching. Vasuki garu has a very important role in the film. When I was writing the story, I had her in mind for this character. I felt that such a talented actress deserved a significant role. She also has some of the film’s key messaging and powerful dialogues towards the climax. Harshini, Rajeev Kanakala and Harshavardhan, among others, have substantial roles. Everyone’s performances will impress audiences.
– We conducted workshops for the film. Arun and Rohan play the lead roles, while Khushi was selected after Manashankaravaraprasad garu watched the film’s trailer. Around 100 children have also acted in the movie. Arun and Rohan are extremely talented and even learnt the Godavari dialect for their roles. However, shooting with the other 100 children was not easy. If one child was available, another would be missing, while some would be busy playing somewhere else!
– It would have been wonderful if Summer Holidays had released during the summer vacation. Unfortunately, we could not secure a summer release slot. We initially planned to release it in July, but since Chennai Love Story was scheduled for release around that time, Dheeraj suggested that we wait. The release date kept changing, and we finally locked November 6. Audiences have been watching a lot of bloodshed, action and violent films lately, and they may be looking for something different. Summer Holidays offers pleasant emotions and leaves a gentle smile on your face. I strongly believe audiences will welcome a feel-good film like this, especially at a time when many are waiting for such content.
– Rohan and Arun’s characters each have their own problems. The film explores how they deal with their respective challenges during their summer holidays. Rather than simply delivering a message, I wanted to present a story with the warmth and emotional appeal of Sathyam Sundaram. The characters of Rohan and Arun reminded me of Sathyam and Sundaram. While we were shooting this film, Arun’s other movie, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu, received a National Award. Our entire team was extremely happy when we heard the news, and Arun was equally delighted.
– Both Dheeraj and I are very confident about the film’s success. Dheeraj screened the movie for people in his close circle, and everyone responded positively. We strongly believe that Summer Holidays will achieve good success this Diwali.
