Sri: How did you get the opportunity to direct Mithrudu?
Mahadev: Actually, I didn't even know Krishnaprasad gaaru personally before we did the project. A mutual friend of mine referred him my name and asked me to meet him the next day. When I met him, he informed that he had Balakrishna gaari dates. As he earlier produced Aditya 369 and Vamshaanikokkadu with Balakrishna gaaru, he knew Balakrishna gaaru quite well. He thus asked me to narrate a story which will suit Balakrishna gaaru. I said I'd get back to him in four days with a suitable story...

Sri: Usually, producers go with established directors with a proven track record when producing with stars...
Mahadev: I got a chance to do it because of Rajamouli. As people already knew that I worked with Rajamouli as an assistant, they know that I have the required experience. The credit should thus go to Rajamouli gaaru. I am always thankful to him for that.

Sri: How did you convince Balakrishna then?
Mahadev: In the four days time I asked Krishnaprasad gaaru for, I went to Vijayendraprasad gaaru for a story, as I used to participate in story discussions with them before. He felt happy that I got a chance to work with Balakrishna gaaru. We discussed the plot and developed the story and I went and narrated the same to the producer. He liked the story and took me to Balakrishna gaaru. When I met him the first time, he asked me if one hour and a half would be enough time for me to narrate. I said a half would just be enough and narrated the basic story and the important scenes within that time. He was leaving abroad the very next day, he said he'd get back to me after his return.

Sri: Were you tensed as you waited that long?
Mahadev: Not at all! By then, I was used to waiting, since I narrated stories to various heroes before then.