Director Sam Anton, who is overwhelmed with the response for his latest film Buddy, speaks about the positive feedback, addressing comparisons and more
K. Ramya Sree
In a conversation with us, director Sam Anton shared his excitement about the positive reception of his latest film, Buddy. The movie, which stars Allu Sirish alongside Gayathri Bharadwaj and Prisha Rajesh Singh, has been making waves with its adventurous blend of action, comedy, and emotion. Produced by KE Gnanavel Raja and Adhana Gnanavel Raja under the Studio Green Films banner and co-produced by Neha Gnanavel Raja, Buddy has successfully captivated audiences of all ages.
Anton expressed his thrill at the film’s success, noting that the positive feedback has been overwhelming. “I’m absolutely delighted that both children and adults are enjoying Buddy. The word of mouth started with the morning shows and it’s been a joy to see it resonate so well. Our team is thrilled to have entertained audiences with a film that blends comedy, emotion, action and features a unique teddy bear character.”
Reflecting on the film’s development, Anton revealed that the project began about two years ago with discussions with producer Gnanavel. Although there were initial thoughts of remaking the Tamil film Teddy, the decision was made to craft an entirely new story while retaining one core concept from the original. This approach allowed the team to create something fresh and engaging. “We felt a young hero would be ideal for this film, and Allu Sirish was the perfect choice. He has been familiar with my work and after discussing the story of Buddy, he was excited to join the project.”
Anton emphasised that Buddy was specifically designed to offer a true theatrical experience. “In today’s cinematic landscape, audiences seek movies that provide a genuine theatrical experience. With Buddy, we aimed to deliver just that. We invested a lot in the CG work to bring the teddy bear character to life and enhance the visual experience. The film combines action and adventure with a core love story between a girl working in ATC and a pilot, crafted to be fully appreciated on the big screen.”
Addressing comparisons to films by acclaimed director Rajamouli, Anton assured that while there are emotional elements in Buddy, it stands on its own merit. “We were inspired by successful films but aimed to create something unique. Whether it’s the villain character, the love story, or the teddy bear, we worked hard to ensure that the emotions were impactful. We wanted to make Buddy as engaging as films like Khaidhi and Vikram, with a special highlight being the action sequence in the flight’s climax. The music by Hip Hop Tamizha has also added a wonderful dimension to the film.”
Anton also shared his admiration for Telugu cinema and hinted at future projects in the industry. “I have a great appreciation for Telugu films and regularly watch them. I’m planning to make a straight Telugu film in the future. As a director, I’m open to exploring various genres, whether it’s comedy, action, or romance. I’m excited about the opportunities and eager to contribute to Telugu cinema.” With Buddy proving to be a theatrical hit, Sam Anton’s vision of creating an engaging and entertaining film has certainly paid off. As he looks towards new projects, audiences can anticipate more innovative and captivating cinema from this talented director.
