Exclusive: Brinda Master on her directorial debut ‘Konaseema Thugs’ & why you should watch it

Hyderabad: ‘Konaseema Thugs,’ a raw action entertainer, is all set to hit the screens on 24 February. Directed by renowned choreographer-turned-director Brinda Master, and produced by Riya Shibu, the film has Hridhu Haroon in the lead role.

Top production house Mythri Movie Makers is releasing the Telugu version of the film under Mythri Movie Distributors LLP. Ahead of the release, Brinda Master talked about the film. Here are some excerpts from the interaction with her:

‘Konaseema Thugs’…the title itself sounds interesting. What is the film all about?

We all know who “Thugs” are. Lately, it has been a word that has become very popular. And this film, as shown in the trailer, is about the thugs from Konaseema, their flashbacks, how they ended up in jail, whether they manage to escape from there and how. There is a flashback for every character and that’s what makes every character’s story interesting. When they all come together, nothing can stop them.

Can you tell us why you chose Hridhu as the lead actor?

When the story was ready, I wanted someone young, energetic, and good-looking to play the character Sethu. That’s when the producer suggested Hridhu who’s his son. Hridhu had already done a couple of Hindi films by then. So, we did a look test and when everything worked out, we decided to go ahead (with him).

Did he live up to your expectations?

Hridhu is a package that has everything. He lived up to my expectations and performed beyond that. His energy levels are always high. The action master himself was amazed at how well Hridhu performed the action scenes. Dance too…he did a great job. His acting was also great.

Can you tell us about the cast of the film?

Bobby Simha and R.K. Suresh are the two best actors in the industry. They are versatile and somebody you can bank on. They came on board when the characters were decided and written. They did an amazing job. Anaswara Rajan, who plays the heroine, too did a great job. In the films she's been part of, she looked more like a kid. In this film, she has played a mature role. Everybody has done their part really well in the film. Sam CS has given the music and Praveen Antony did the editing. These two are pros at what they do. I really thank my team for having my back always.

You have been a choreographer for so long. Now you are a director. What do you enjoy the most?

Choreography, of course. That’s what I have been doing since the beginning of my career and nothing can beat it. Direction is not an easy job. You are responsible for a lot of things and answerable to a lot of people. You have to take the blame for all the mistakes that happen.

Why do you think people should watch ‘Konaseema Thugs’?

‘Konaseema Thugs’ is a pakka commercial entertainer that has all the elements—love, action, story, emotions…it’s a complete package for all movie lovers. The lead actors Hridhu and Bobby Simha have delivered a great performance and that is something nobody should miss watching.