Chai Wala, starring Shiva Kandukuri and Rajeev Kanakala in the lead, is scheduled to hit the cinemas on February 6. As part of its musical promotions, its title song was unveiled on Friday in the presence of Anumula Babu Rao, the founder and owner of the iconic Café Niloufer in Hyderabad. VC Sajjanar, Commissioner of the Hyderabad City Police, was another chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Babu Rao attributed his status in life to tea, which he called an "emotion" that touches everyone. He raised a toast to Narendra Modi, someone who was once a tea-seller. "The entire team of this movie should get good recognition," he added.
VC Sajjanar praised the song and also mentioned the two main actors of Chai Wala. Calling Babu Rao a source of inspiration to everyone, he hoped that the tea entrepreneur would promote the movie more. "Everyone should watch the movie on February 6. Please make it a hit," the top cop added. "We all start and end our day with a cup of chai, particularly us police officers. Chai Wala has been written and made by a young, driven team. This film is not just about chai. It's about dreams and how a father and his son bond over it. We need to encourage a dynamic filmmaker like Pramod Harsha," he shared.
KIMS MD Ravi Kiran Varma said that director Pramod Harsha used to tell him that he wanted to make a film that connects with everyone. He appreciated the filmmaker for embedding tea into an emotional father-son tale.
Raj Kandukuri stated that every character in this film is exceptionally well-crafted. "Prashanth Vihari has delivered a standout performance with a resonant background score and songs, while the sharp editing and Suresh Banisetti’s evocative lyrics further elevated the film. Audiences will experience a completely reinvented side of Shiva (Raj's son and the film's hero). I found the interval sequence to be deeply moving," he added. Raj has previously produced Pelli Choopulu.
In his speech, Rajeev Kanakala mentioned Shiva's acting skills, the quality of music, the "excellent visuals", and other aspects. He praised the producers for their passion. As per the director, Rajeev's performance is the backbone of the film.
The speakers reiterated the film's heart-touching core. Screenplay writer Imran shared that each audience member would feel like calling their father after watching Chai Wala. Lyricist Suresh Banisetti has penned all the songs. Co-producer Venkat R Papudippu described the film as a family drama.
Shiva Kandukuri described Chai Wala as sincere and honest. "The emotions haunted me for several days after I listened to the script. We are not saying anything new. The conversations are relatable. The bonds are slice-of-life. Rajeev Kanakala garu has breathed life into his character. Thanks to him, I gave it my best shot. Chai Wala is going to leave you with a smile on February 6. Coming to the title song, it's not a celebratory, loud song. I thank Kaala Bhairava for singing it. I am extremely thankful to Prashanth R Vihari. Chai is a central motif of the story. I am glad that the founder of Niloufer is here. When I was a student, my friends and I would find great relief sipping their chai. We all have so many memories with chai. A good chai is not just about ingredients. It's about the emotions that the maker pours into it," the hero said.
Teju Ashwini, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Chaitanya Krishna, and Vadlamani Srinivas are part of the cast. "Shiva has performed brilliantly in this film. I am very confident about the success of this movie. If you like the film, please tell everyone and support us," the director said.
Chai Wala is slated to hit the cinemas on February 6. Radha V Papudippu of Harshika Productions has bankrolled it.
