Draft:Currency Nagar

Currency Nagar is a 2023 Telugu anthology thriller film produced by Mukkamala Apparao and Koduru Gopala Krishna under the Unnati Arts banner, and directed by Vennela Kumar Pothepalli. Starring Mahesh Yadlapalli, Spandana Somana, Keshava, Rajasekhar, Chandini and Sudharshan in lead roles, the trailer was released on December 18 and the film was released in theaters on December 29.

Plot
Currency Nagar is an exploration of human needs and greed, intertwining multiple stories that serve as metaphorical comparisons between the nature of individuals and money. At the heart of the narrative is Satya, a desperate thief seeking fortune, who embarks on an unexpected and surreal journey.

In the midst of a heavy rainstorm, Satya finds himself at the doorstep of an abandoned magician's house, seeking shelter. His intention to open a mysterious locker within the house sets the stage for an unusual conversation between the thief and the currency itself.

STORY 1: "LOVE"
The first narrative thread delves into the complexities of love and deceit. Krishna, seemingly a bachelor and software employee, leads a clandestine life as a thief and gambler. His roommate Ram, a responsible food delivery boy, becomes entangled in a dangerous web of love orchestrated by Midhu, working for the ruthless gang leader Raju. As Krishna and Ram navigate the treacherous path laid by love, their lives intertwine with the sinister world of organ trafficking.

STORY 2: "LUST"
The second story unearths the consequences of lust and its impact on the lives of innocent individuals. Sitaramayya, a diligent peasant, and his family become victims of the teenaged mocker Raju, who, driven by his lustful desires, commits a heinous crime. The narrative explores the intricate web of morality and guilt as Raju grapples with the repercussions of his actions.

The Unspoken Connection:
As Satya listens to these intertwining tales, the mysterious locker itself becomes a storyteller, weaving narratives that reflect the darkest truths of human nature and money. Satya's motives for entering the magician's house and his dire need for money come to light, forming a connection with the metaphoric stories narrated by the currency.

The climax unravels the threads of Satya's own story, revealing the circumstances that led him to the magician's house. In a symphony of human desires and moral dilemmas, "Currency Nagar" challenges its audience to ponder the intricate dance between human needs, greed, and the elusive nature of wealth.

Cast

 * Mahesh Yadlapalli as Surya – Mahesh Yadlapalli portrayed the character of Surya in the film "Currency Nagar." Recognized for his versatility, he transitioned to a character artist role in notable movies like "Majili" and "Jersey." A pivotal moment in his career came when he took on the lead role in the third story of "Currency Nagar," featuring him as the protagonist. Surya's character in the film possesses supernatural powers, specifically the ability to experience Precognitive dreams.
 * Response Spandhana Somanna as Geetha – In "Currency Nagar," Response Spandhana Somanna delivered a memorable performance as Geetha, the heroine in the third story. Originating from the Kannada film industry, her character grapples with insomnia, adding depth to the storyline.
 * Kesava – Kesava took on the lead role in the second story of "Currency Nagar." Renowned for his previous work as a character artist in films like "C/o Kancharapalem" and "Chithalahari," Kesava's portrayal added depth to the narrative.
 * Rajasekhar, acclaimed for his antagonistic roles, played the role of the antagonist in the first story of "Currency Nagar." Prior to this, he showcased his acting prowess as a character artist in notable films such as "Bharat Ane Nenu," "Uppena," and "Dootha." Notably, his portrayal of Subhodayam Subbarao, a journalist in "Bharat Ane Nenu," remains etched in the memories of the audience.
 * Chandu Charms
 * Sudharshan – Sudarshan Reddy, cast as a mischievous thief in the film "Currency Nagar," played a pivotal role that set the comedic tone right from the start. His character took on the responsibility of providing humor throughout the entire film, becoming a central element in creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Notably, Sudarshan Reddy also concludes the movie, leaving an indelible mark on the audience until the very end.
 * Gautham Kumar
 * Afshan

Production
The inception of "Currency Nagar" was marked by a unique journey, kickstarting with a crowdfunding initiative. Fueled by creativity, Vennela Kumar crafted eight intriguing short stories centered around the theme of money. From this collection, four stories were chosen to form the narrative foundation of the film.

In a remarkable show of support and appreciation for the project, Dr. Gopalakrishna emerged as the producer underlining his admiration for Vennela Kumar's vision.

Heading the artistic endeavors was Muralidhar, the executive producer. The entirety of "Currency Nagar" unfolded against the backdrop of Vijayawada, with the team seamlessly navigating through three distinctive schedules. The first schedule unfolded at Penumaka, followed by the second at Vijayawada Krishna Lanka, and concluding with the third schedule at Noojiveedu.

This cinematic endeavor, featuring a cast of 48 artists, wrapped up in a mere 23 days.

The dubbing phase took place at Sarathi Studios, ensuring the meticulous alignment of voices with the on-screen performances. Steering the editing process was "Carthik Cuts," known for his adeptness as an online editor, having previously contributed to films like " Bro" Dootha"

Ethiraju, known for his prowess in sound effects, brought his expertise to the table, having previously worked at the esteemed Ramanaidu Studios. Sound mixing, a crucial element in enhancing the cinematic experience, was deftly handled by Santhosh Udnala, whose portfolio included notable films like "Color Photo" and "Mission Impossible."

Adding the finishing touches to the visual aesthetics was Srinivas Mamidi, who served as the colorist for the film.

In the realm of visual storytelling, Satish Rajaboina left an indelible mark as the cinematographer for "Currency Nagar." Despite working within budget constraints, his artistic lens skillfully captured the essence of the film, particularly excelling in bringing the visuals associated with the title to life.

In the realm of soundscapes, "Currency Nagar" found its soul in the musical brilliance of Siddhartha Sadashivuni. Serving as the Music Director, Siddhartha brought a refreshing and innovative approach to the film's soundtrack.

General references

 * Currency Nagar Movie Review: A tale about greed and relationships (deccanchronicle.com)
 * Currency Nagar Telugu Movie Review: A Riveting Dive into the World of Anthology Thrillers - Talkies Corner
 * Currency Nagar Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos | eTimes (indiatimes.com)
 * కరెన్సీ నగర్ సినిమా రివ్యూ.. ఎలా ఉందంటే? | Currency Nagar Telugu Movie Review - Sakshi
 * కరెన్సీ నగర్ రివ్యూ: డబ్బు చుట్టూ తిరిగే కథలో ఎన్నో మలుపులు.. | Currency Nagar Movie review and rating – News18 తెలుగు
 * Currency Nagar Movie Review, Rating, Cast, Story Details | Currency Nagar Movie Review: మనీ బ్యాక్‌డ్రాప్‌లో 'కరెన్సీ నగర్'.. ఆంతాలజీ థ్రిల్లర్  ఎలా ఉందంటే..? News in Telugu (india.com)
 * Currency Nagar Telugu Movie Review: A Relevant & Resonating Social Drama (flickonclick.com)
 * Currency Nagar Review in Telugu: కరెన్సీ నగర్ సినిమా రివ్యూ & రేటింగ్! - Filmy Focus
 * Currency Nagar Movie Trailer, Star Cast, Release Date, Box Office, Movie Review | Currency Nagar Movie budget and Collection | Currency Nagar | Indian Film History
 * Currency Nagar Review - A2Z ADDA
 * Currency Nagar Movie Trailer, Star Cast, Release Date, Box Office, Movie Review | Currency Nagar Movie budget and Collection | Currency Nagar | Indian Film History
 * Currency Nagar Review - A2Z ADDA