In the sprawling world of Telugu cinema, where dreams are often loud and fleeting, one man’s quiet resilience and loyalty carved a lasting legacy. Udaya Srinivas, known to the world as Bunny Vas, is not just a film producer—he is a trusted friend, a creative mind and a powerful force behind some of the most successful films under the iconic Geetha Arts banner. Born in Palakollu, a small town surrounded by coconut groves and canals, Bunny Vas grew up far removed from the glitz of cinema, yet harbored a deep fascination for storytelling and visuals.
His journey from helping his father in the coconut trade to shaping blockbusters is both heartwarming and inspiring. What sets him apart is not just his talent but his relationships—especially the unwavering bond with Allu Arjun, fondly known as Bunny. From designing debut posters for actors like Prabhas, to producing hits like 100% Love and Thandel, to managing political campaigns for Pawan Kalyan, Bunny Vas’s career is a blend of honesty, hustle and heart.
Along the way, he has faced setbacks, including the personal tragedy of losing his elder brother during the COVID pandemic, but he never let grief deter his purpose. With his new banner BV Works, he is now committed to giving new talent the break he once got from industry legends like Allu Aravind. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer’s Suresh Kavirayani, he gets candid about his inspiring journey, his bond with Allu Arjun and more
Pampered Beginnings in a Picturesque Town
My father was a coconut businessman and we used to export coconuts to Maharashtra and other states. My parents are Suryanarayana and Vijayalakshmi. I have an elder brother and a sister. I was born and brought up in Palakollu. I studied till Class 10 in Palakollu and for Intermediate, I joined Siddharth College in Guntur. After my first year of Intermediate, I left Guntur and joined a college in Narasapur. I was a bright student till Class 10. Konaseema is known for its beauty and I enjoyed swimming in the canals, wandering along the greenery, and had a joyful childhood. Being the youngest, I was pampered a lot by my parents. So, until Class 10, I lived a happy and carefree life in Palakollu.
Saved by a Leaked Chemistry Paper
After the first year of Intermediate, I left Guntur and joined a college in Narasapur. I didn’t study well, especially for the Chemistry paper. I didn’t know what to write and didn’t want to submit a blank paper, so I wrote the question paper itself and submitted it to the invigilator. I was scared to tell my father that I hadn’t written the exam. But after I got home, I heard that the Chemistry paper was leaked that year, so the exam was cancelled and rescheduled after three months. I thanked God for saving me. That three-month break helped me prepare well and I passed Intermediate. Later, I joined B.Sc Electronics in Gayatri College, Visakhapatnam, in 1997.
Smooth Sailing Through College Life
My college life went smoothly. I stayed at MVP Colony and Seethammadhara. My father bought a motorbike for me. During my final year, the Electronics subject couldn’t be completed. At that time, Manipal University offered a facility to join PG even if one subject was pending, provided we complete the subject before finishing PG. I joined MIT Distance Education. I have always been interested in creativity since childhood.
Creative Turn Through Animation
My elder brother, who was in Delhi at the time, took me there and enrolled me in Pentasoft to learn animation. That was the turning point in my life. I had two subjects that were pending in my MIT final year and Electronics in Degree was also incomplete. Around the same time, my father faced financial struggles, so I came to Hyderabad and stayed with my childhood friend Vamsi. Director Maruthi used to visit Vamsi’s room, where I met him. I worked in 3D animation while Maruthi taught 2D. At the time, film posters and actors’ profile photos designed in Photoshop were in high demand. That’s how I met Allu Bobby, elder son of Allu Aravind. Bunny (Allu Arjun) garu also came to learn 2D and that’s where I first met him.
Designing Prabhas’ Debut Profile
While working on Photoshop and design, Prabhas garu was preparing for his debut film Eeswar. A photo shoot was conducted. Maruthi and I attended it. I’m not sure if Prabhas remembers it, but we designed his debut film’s posters and photos. Today, Maruthi is directing Prabhas in The Raja Saab—a striking coincidence.
Dream Come True with Pawan Kalyan
Being a huge Pawan Kalyan fan, his films and magazine appearances always energised me. I finally met him during Jalsa, when Aravind garu introduced me. That handshake still gives me goosebumps. I worked with him closely in the 2019 and 2024 elections, handling the Jana Sena campaign. After the elections, I returned to film work. I’ll always be ready to work for him whenever he needs me.
Inspired by a Power Star
Once I got into cinema, Gang Leader had a huge impact on me. Then I watched Siva by Ram Gopal Varma and truly understood the magic of cinema. Since childhood, I’ve been a huge fan of Pawan Kalyan. For Khushi, I took my father’s Ambassador car and went to Suryapet. My father was worried and informed his friends. Some of them spotted me in Suryapet and we informed him. My father always treated me like a friend and I never misused that freedom. In college, a police case incident occurred. While others feared telling their parents, I called my father and explained everything. He asked one of his friends to intervene and I was helped out. That freedom helped me stay honest and open with him.
Nickname That Became a Brand
My real name is Udaya Srinivas, but my friends called me Vasu. While working on Arya, produced by Dil Raju, there was another Vasu—Vasu Varma—closely associated with Sukumar. Dil Raju was confused with two Vasus, so he started calling me Bunny Vas because I was close to Bunny. From then on, everyone called me Bunny Vas. Even in my first film 100% Love, the producer credit had this name. Before finalising, I thought a lot, but Bunny had supported me so much that I decided to keep the name. It was a tribute to his friendship and support. I even added the alias to my passport.
Platform for the Next Generation
I started a new banner called BV Works to encourage new talent. Many of my schoolmates and youngsters from my hometown approached me for opportunities. Just like Aravind garu encouraged me when I was young, I wanted to do the same for them. I discussed this idea with Aravind garu before launching it. I’ll continue working for Geetha Arts, but BV Works will focus on nurturing fresh talent. Since I can’t always ask Aravind garu to support newcomers directly, we mutually agreed to launch this new initiative.
From Designer to Family-Like Bond with Allu Aravind
Allu Aravind garu was producing Johnny with Pawan Kalyan and needed designs and a logo. His son Bobby approached us. After we finished the work, Aravind garu inquired about me and found that I was sincere. He treated me like his own son. My family also knows his father, Allu Ramalingaiah garu, from Palakollu. With that trust, I began working with Geetha Arts and with Bunny from 2002 to 2007. When director Sukumar narrated a story to Bunny and he liked it, I got the opportunity to produce it. Before that, I worked in distribution for Arya in West Godavari and was also involved in the film’s making. When Sukumar narrated 100% Love, Aravind garu asked me to produce it. That’s how I officially became a producer.
Star’s Vision for the Future
I watched Gangotri with Bunny on release day at Saptagiri theatre. The audience gave mixed responses, but I didn’t tell him. After watching again, Bunny drove his Accent and told me, “This is just the beginning. I will become the best in India and you’ll be with me and earn a name too.” I reminded him of these words after Pushpa 2. He smiled and said, “I’m not stopping. I’m going further, and you’ll stay with me.” More than his hard work, I believe in his vision.
Movie Nights in Disguise
Bunny (Allu Arjun) used to watch movies in theatres with the audience. I often accompanied him. We would go separately to avoid attention and then sit next to each other. Bunny would cover his face with a hoodie and glasses, so nobody recognised him. We watched many hit films and if he liked a film, he would watch it multiple times. He loved experiencing cinema with the crowd. But after I became a known face as a producer, Bunny asked me not to accompany him, as people might recognise me and, in turn, recognise him too.
How It All Began with Bunny
Bobby asked me to assist Bunny. Though I had met him before, now I was working with him. The first thing he asked me was, “Do you like cinema?” I said “yes”. Then he asked me to help him find a location for a dance skit. We roamed Krishna Nagar in his Scorpio, found a place in Film Nagar and built a small shed. That became my first office, later joined by SKN and Maruthi. Today, my office is in Geetha Arts.
Witnessing Boyapati’s Debut Story Pitch
Allu Arjun likes Boyapati Srinivas a lot and one day, Boyapati came to narrate a story to him. Bunny took me along with him for the narration. That was the first time I experienced a proper story narration. Boyapati narrated the story of Bhadra and Bunny liked it immensely. However, Bunny had already committed to doing Arya with Sukumar. So, he personally took Boyapati to Dil Raju’s office, recommended the story and encouraged Boyapati’s talent. That’s how Bhadra, Boyapati’s debut film, was produced by Dil Raju.
Friendships That Stood the Test of Time
Director Sudheer Varma and RK (currently working with Varun Tej) are two of my best friends from school. We’re still very much in touch and talk almost every day. Apart from them, Maruthi and SKN are also very close friends. We share so many memories and continue to support one another, both personally and professionally.
She Called Me ‘Emandi’—And I Call Her My Lucky Charm
I got married in 2010 through an arranged marriage. My wife is from Kadiyam, near Rajahmundry. I still remember her first question: she asked, “What’s your name?” I said “Bunny Vas.” She immediately said that in the astrology papers, the name was mentioned as Udaya Srinivas. I told her I was Bunny’s friend, so people called me Bunny Vas. She then asked, “What should I call you?” I replied, “Emandi.” She is an MCA graduate and now a housewife. One year after marriage, I produced 100% Love and earned a good name. I always feel she is my lucky charm. We have two kids— son in Class 8 and daughter in Class 5. I named my son Surya Aravind, after my father and Aravind garu. I’m very close to my daughter. Whenever I’m stressed, I play with her. No matter where I go, I return home every third day just to spend time with her. I encouraged my wife to start a business or do something, as she’s a great painter and cook, but she preferred to be a homemaker. She manages the house and kids well and never puts pressure on me.
