Producer Malkapuram Shiva Kumar, coming up with his next film, Thiragabadara Saami, shares his journey in the industry and insights about the film
K. Ramya Sree
As the release date for Thiragabadara Saami approaches, producer Malkapuram Shiva Kumar shared his insights on the film and his career in an exclusive interview. The film, featuring actor Raj Tarun and directed by A.S. Ravikumar Chowdary, has been generating substantial buzz. With Malvi Malhotra in the lead role, the movie promises a blend of romance, sentiment, high-voltage action and emotional depth.
Malkapurm Shiva Kumar revealed that the project began in 2023, and he was immediately drawn to the story presented by Director A.S. Ravikumar Chowdary. “When I heard the story, I was captivated instantly. I decided to move forward with it in one sitting,” he said. From the outset, the team believed Raj Tarun was the ideal choice for the role.
Discussing the film’s content, Shiva Kumar explained that the story involves elements of violence that are integral to the narrative. “In this film, a person’s behaviour is shaped by their circumstances. The situations they encounter can transform someone who is normally quiet into someone who acts violently. Raj Tarun has delivered an exceptional performance in this context.”
Reflecting on his journey in the film industry, Shiva Kumar recounted his start with the film Bhadradi, supported by Srihari Garu. “Director Bobby also made his debut as a writer with that film. Since then, I’ve been focused on introducing new talents. In Surya vs Surya, I introduced Karthik Ghattamaneni and in another project, Tridha Chowdhury. Now, in Thiragabadara Saami, we’re introducing Malvi Malhotra and working with a new director.”
When asked about what audiences can expect from Thiragabadara Saami, Shiva Kumar described it as a reflection on the bonds between husbands and wives. “The film is a testament to how couples should remain connected in their relationship. The content is engaging and will resonate with a wide audience,” he said.
Mannara Chopra’s role in the film, playing the negative female lead, has been praised by Shiva Kumar. “Mannara’s role is crucial throughout the movie. She has portrayed the character exceptionally well,” he noted.
The production experience was notably enjoyable for Shiva Kumar, with the majority of shooting taking place in Zaheerabad. “We had nearly 400 people involved in the daily shoot and it was a very homely and enjoyable experience,” he added.
On the financial side, Shiva Kumar expressed satisfaction with the film’s progress. “The film has worked out very well from a business perspective, which is why we’re releasing it with great happiness,” he said. Reflecting on his career as a producer, Shiva Kumar admitted that, while the financial rewards have been modest, the industry offers a unique opportunity to create employment and support others. “Even if a film breaks even, it provides opportunities for new talents and helps sustain the industry,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Shiva Kumar is excited about his Bollywood projects, including a film directed by his friend Raj, currently in post-production. “We are also working on a web series titled Rahu Ketu and another series based on Tirupati Balaji,” he revealed. Additionally, new projects on the horizon include a film featuring J. D. Chakravarthy, Naresh Agastya and Seerat Kapoor, which will introduce a new director named Shravan.
