Director Manasa Sharma is confident that her upcoming film Raakaasaa, headlined by Sangeeth Shoban and Nayan Sarika, will give audiences a fresh reason to visit the theaters. Presented by Zee Studios and produced by Niharika Konidela alongside Umesh Kumar Bansal under the Pink Elephant Pictures banner, the film blends fantasy, adventure, and comedy with a touch of horror.
During a recent media interaction, Manasa Sharma opened up about the making of the film, the casting choices, and what viewers can actually expect when they buy a ticket.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Srikakulam. Raakaasaa is my fourth major project, following the YouTube series Mad House, Oka Chinna Family Story, and Bench Life. Originally, I pitched this exact story as a Netflix series. Sangeeth Shoban heard the narration back then and liked it immediately. Once it shifted into a feature film, he came on board. He is a perfect fit with solid comedy timing. I already knew Nayan Sarika from previous work.
What is the special attraction of Raakaasaa?
Raakaasaa blends fantasy, adventure, and comedy. The teaser has been watched by everyone, and very soon we will launch the trailer. After the trailer drops, the audience will get more clarity about our film. Comedy takes center stage in our film.
What new elements can the audience expect?
This is a film that demands a theatrical experience. It’s a fictional story, and every character will surely impress. Raakaasaa is a beautiful Chandamama-style visual saga.
Did you face any challenges regarding VFX?
Since the second half relies heavily on visual effects, we had to be smart about the shooting schedule. Hence, we shot the second half first. This gave the post-production team plenty of time to work on the VFX while we moved on to film the first half. This practical planning helped us stay on track and largely within our planned budget.
How was the working experience with Niharika?
I share a good rapport with Niharika Konidela. Projects at Pink Elephant Pictures generally don’t face long delays. For context, Oka Chinna Family Story wrapped up in just nine months, and Committee Kurrollu took a year and a half. She is an efficient producer who knows how to balance things.