Priyadarshi on Balagam: Give quality cinema a chance in theatres, don’t reduce small films to OTTs

Priyadarshi, whose career took off with Pelli Choopulu, channelised his fame smartly to make his presence felt in a wide range of roles in films like Jathi Ratnalu, Oke Oka Jeevitham, Brochevarevarura, Mallesham and Mail, to name a few. The actor has consciously distanced himself from slapstick fares lately and the strategy seems to be working in his favour. His next release is Balagam, a rural directed by popular comedian Venu Tillu.

“I don’t want to bore audiences by saying that the film has shaped up well. I’ll however say that it received a terrific response from crowds in Nizamabad and Mahbubabad in the recent screenings and people have identified it as ‘their’ film. My ‘balagam’ (support system) is full of people like Dil Raju, Hanshitha, Shirish and Harshith (the producers),” Priyadarshi said at the press meet organised on Saturday, ahead of the film’s release on March 3.

“I would request audiences to give us a chance at the theatres. Don’t treat this as a small film with lesser-known actors and think I’ll watch it on OTTs later. If you don’t appreciate such films on the big screen, it becomes very hard to back credible subjects like these in the future. There’s always an option to watch a film on OTT in your room, bathroom or even while you drive, but trust us and watch Balagam in theatres for the experience,” he added.

“Despite the pandemic, you waited for RRR to release in theatres and watch it for the experience. Similarly, we guarantee you a quality product and promise to keep you glued to the screens once you buy your ticket. From the time you watch the banner’s song ‘Mammu kaachina..’ in the opening credits till the end, we’re here to keep you invested in the film. The film has commercial ingredients too and a good love story,” the Mallesham actor stated.