Left Billa 2 for Panjaa, Director Drops Bomb

Director Vishnu Vardhan's name may not be known by many people.

He is most famous for films like the original Tamil Billa and the Telugu film Panjaa.

In an exclusive interview with Gulte pro ahead of the Panjaa 4K re-release on September 2, which is also Pawan Kalyan's birthday, Vishnu Vardhan talked about his past work with Pawan Kalyan and made a surprising revelation about Billa 2.

Vishnu remembered that his first meeting with Pawan Kalyan was interesting.

The two connected quickly because they both liked guns.He said Pawan had a special mix of confidence, kindness, and style.

Vishnu also shared that he wanted Pawan to grow a beard for Panjaa, and Pawan agreed right away.

That choice helped create Pawan's unique look in the movie.

But the biggest surprise was about Billa 2.

Vishnu said he had a chance to direct Billa 2 with Ajith even before Panjaa started.Billa had already become a big hit, and Billa 2 was announced with Ajith, with posters already out.

At that time, Vishnu was in a tough spot.

His film with Pawan Kalyan was already planned, and Billa 2 with Ajith was also on the table.Because of scheduling conflicts, he had to pick only one.

Vishnu admitted choosing between Panjaa and Billa 2 was the hardest decision of his life.

From a professional and ethical standpoint, Vishnu felt he had to honor his earlier promise to Pawan Kalyan.

So he chose Panjaa and gave up on Billa 2.

He said, "Ajith sir understood.

Later, I worked with him for Aarambham."  

The director also talked about his Telugu roots.

Though he was born and raised in Chennai and doesn't speak Telugu fluently, Vishnu considers himself a real Telugu person.

He said, "I may not speak Telugu well.

But I’m proper Telugu, but born and brought up in Chennai.So, for me, Panjaa was exploring new avenues."  

Vishnu also thanked the people behind Panjaa for trusting him, especially producers Neelima Tirumalasetti and Shobu Yarlagadda, along with Pawan Kalyan himself.

According to Vishnu, their trust gave him the chance to explore new ideas with Panjaa, a film that is now coming back to theaters in 4K ahead of Pawan Kalyan's birthday.