Director Dr. Anil Vishwanath, who gained recognition with the success of his film Polimera, is now gearing up for the grand theatrical release of his first film, 28°C, on April 4th. The movie, an emotional love story, stars Naveen Chandra as the hero and Shalini Vadnikatti as the heroine. Produced by Sai Abhishek under the banner of Veeranjaneya Productions, 28°C is eagerly anticipated. In an interview held today, Director Dr. Anil Vishwanath shared some key highlights about the film.
– “I have an emotional connection with 28°C. It’s my first film, and I fell in love with the script. We started work on it in 2017, and as we went along, the budget grew because we refused to compromise on quality. We initially planned to release it in May 2020, but the lockdown in March changed everything. We were offered deals from OTT platforms, but the amount we had spent on the movie didn’t match the rates they offered. That’s why we decided to stick with a theatrical release. Looking back, I believe it was for the best, and it’s a blessing that 28°C is being released now.”*
– “The movie tells a love story between two medical students, with thrilling and supernatural elements woven into the plot. We incorporated the concept of 28°C into the story – how people with brain damage cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. This theory plays a central role in the film, and the question mark in the title keeps the audience guessing until the end.”
– “Initially, we thought of casting Adivi Sesh, but he got busy with other projects. When I pitched the script to Naveen Chandra, he immediately liked it and agreed to take on the role. We shot for 25 days in Georgia. I can’t even begin to describe the challenges we faced during that schedule. The authorities sent us back twice before we were finally able to shoot there. On the third attempt, we arrived, only to find that our camera kits were missing. We ended up shopping in Georgia to buy new ones and continued filming. There are so many such experiences, and I’m considering writing a book about them.”
– “When the release of 28°C was delayed, my personal and professional life came into question. I had invested a lot of time and money into the film, and I was at a crossroads. There were even moments when I thought of giving up, but I found the strength to keep going. I wrote the script for Polimera during that time, and when it became a blockbuster, it reignited my belief in myself. Now, we’re working on Polimera 3. I believe 28°C will find success, especially given the recognition it has received from the border.”
– “My friend Vamsi Nandipati, after watching the movie, came forward to help release it. Now, our goal is not to make money, but to see our first film on the big screen. I asked Vamsi to secure as many theaters as possible. Naveen Chandra’s family was overjoyed after watching 28°C.”
– “Although the release of 28°C was delayed, I’m fortunate that no other film with a similar story has been released in theaters or on OTT. If one had been, I would have been devastated. I tend to write stories with unique backdrops, which I believe is one of my strengths. The film will be crisp, lasting just 2 hours, as we’ve cut out any unnecessary scenes to keep it focused and engaging.”
– “Next, I’m working on Polimera 3, which will have a period backdrop. The CG work for this project will be extensive, which is why the pre-production phase has taken longer. We’re planning to release it during the Sankranti season next year. Polimera 3 will have a massive production scale, aiming for a pan-India release. We’re also bringing in a star for a key role.”
– “Additionally, I’m involved in the movie 12A Railway Colony, which stars Allari Naresh. The film will be directed by my team member, Nani Kasaragadda, and I’ve written the screenplay for it. When I started my career, I didn’t have much support, but now, with the recognition I’ve received, I feel it’s my turn to support my colleagues. I’m also planning an investigative crime thriller with Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas soon.”
