Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja’s Irumudi, directed by Shiva Nirvana and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, promises a mix of family emotions, action, suspense and crime.
Director Shiva Nirvana says audiences will get to see a new side of Ravi Teja in the film.
“When you tell a story around a point that has never been explored before, presenting it with a star gives the subject a much wider reach. The Ayyappa Mala backdrop, family emotions and this new setup, when done with a star like Ravi Teja, can take the story to every household,” he said.
Shiva revealed that the film has three important layers — the Ayyappa Mala backdrop, family emotions and the crime angle. He said the promotional campaign was also designed around these three aspects.
“We gradually revealed different elements of the film through the promotions. By the time the trailer came out, everyone got clarity about what the film is actually about. The audience is now prepared for the story, and I am confident that the film will meet their expectations,” he said.
The filmmaker also clarified that Irumudi is not a devotional film about Lord Ayyappa, but a family drama set against the backdrop of Ayyappa Mala Deeksha.
“This is a story that happens against the backdrop of Ayyappa Mala. It is not an Ayyappa Swamy story,” Shiva explained.
According to him, the Deeksha provides an interesting foundation for the human drama, particularly through Ravi Teja’s character.
Shiva also spoke about the extensive homework he did for the Ayyappa backdrop. After developing the story, he interacted with devotees, met Guruswamis and attended Padipoojas. He even undertook the Mala Deeksha himself and had earlier visited Sabarimala with director Hanu Raghavapudi.
“The Mangal Harathis, bhajans, rudrakshas and the way the rituals are performed have all been presented authentically,” he said.
The director also dismissed social media reports suggesting that Ram Charan would make a cameo appearance in Irumudi.
“No, that is only social media speculation. Ram Charan is an Ayyappa devotee and has that vibe, so perhaps fans wanted him to appear. But there is no truth in those reports. I only hope that Charan likes the film,” he clarified.
Another major talking point is the song Mallepoola Pallaki, which crossed 9 million views within two days of its release.
Shiva revealed that the song has been sung by Ayyappa devotees during Padipoojas for around 15 years. During his research in the Seeleru region, an Ayyappa devotee introduced him to the song, prompting the team to include it in the film.
The makers also decided to retain the original voice of Dappu Srinu, who had sung the song.