Devi Sri Prasad reveals why he said yes to acting debut in 'Yellamma'
Synopsis
It took an eight-hour meeting, a childhood steeped in village folk traditions, and a goddess's name to convince one of Telugu cinema's biggest music directors to step in front of the camera. Devi Sri Prasad's acting debut in 'Yellamma' is rooted in something far deeper than a film offer — it's a homecoming to Vedurupaka and the Ammoru Jaathara that shaped him.
Key Takeaways
Devi Sri Prasad revealed on Tuesday that childhood memories of folk traditions in his father's village Vedurupaka drove him to say yes to 'Yellamma' .
The film marks his acting debut ; he also composes the music and plays a character named Parshi .
Director Venu Yeldandi's first discussion with Devi Sri Prasad lasted eight hours .
The film is produced by Shrish and presented by Dil Raju , with cinematography by Acharya Venu .
A glimpse video released by T Series has already generated significant audience interest.
Music director Devi Sri Prasad on Tuesday revealed the deeply personal reason behind his decision to make his acting debut in director Venu Yeldandi's upcoming film 'Yellamma', tracing it back to the folk traditions and culture of his father's native village. The disclosure came via a video shared on his X timeline, offering fans a rare glimpse into the roots that shaped one of Telugu cinema's most celebrated composers.
The Village That Said Yes
Sharing a video clip released by T Series, Devi Sri Prasad wrote: 'Here is an Exciting video for you all. With Musical Love... The amazing traditions and culture that filled the passion of folk arts in me since childhood. The celebrations of AMMORU JAATHARA in my dad's village Vedurupaka... The reason why I said YES to YELLAMMA.'
In the video, Devi Sri Prasad revisits Vedurupaka, his father's birthplace, recalling how his father would regularly bring the family from Chennai to the village during their childhood to experience the purity of rural life. 'The village where we built a beautiful house so that we stayed connected to our roots and our people. The village that taught me the beauty of culture, folk arts and divinity. It extremely inspired me. Which is what made me say yes to Yellamma,' he said in the video.
Eight Hours That Sealed the Deal
Director Venu Yeldandi had earlier disclosed that his first discussion with Devi Sri Prasad for the film lasted a remarkable eight hours. Posting a picture of the two together, Yeldandi wrote: 'The first meeting with DSP Sir...it was 8 hours long discussion....' The length of that session underscores the depth of conviction both men brought to the project before a single frame was shot.
A Gratitude-Filled Debut Announcement
When the makers released a glimpse from the film, Devi Sri Prasad penned a lengthy note drawing a parallel between his musical debut — made possible, he said, with the blessings of Goddess Devi — and this new acting journey undertaken with the blessings of Yellamma. 'Now...Again...with the blessings of YELLAMMA (Goddess), a new journey, a divine opportunity of getting more close to your hearts, begins,' he wrote, adding the hashtag #YELLAMMA my acting debut.
He expressed gratitude to producer Dil Raju and director Venu Yeldandi for their trust, and signed off with blessings from his father, mother, and his late guru Mandolin U Shrinivas.
What We Know About Yellamma
In the film, Devi Sri Prasad plays a character named Parshi. He is also composing the music for the project — a dual role that is itself unprecedented for him. The film is produced by Shrish and presented by Dil Raju, with cinematography by Acharya Venu. The makers described the film as a story of 'faith, tradition, and resistance born from the soil,' positioning it as a culturally rooted narrative rather than a mainstream commercial vehicle.
With the glimpse already generating significant buzz, all eyes are now on the full theatrical release of 'Yellamma' — a film that appears as personal for its lead as it is cinematic.
Point of View
But a considered creative commitment. Whether DSP the actor can match DSP the composer in audience affection is the real question the film will answer.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Devi Sri Prasad agree to act in 'Yellamma'?
Devi Sri Prasad said the folk traditions and culture of his father's native village Vedurupaka, particularly the Ammoru Jaathara festival, inspired him to say yes to the film. He described the village as the place that taught him the beauty of culture, folk arts, and divinity.
What is 'Yellamma' about and who is making it?
'Yellamma' is an upcoming film directed by Venu Yeldandi, produced by Shrish, and presented by Dil Raju. The makers describe it as a story of faith, tradition, and resistance rooted in the soil, with Devi Sri Prasad playing a character named Parshi.
Is 'Yellamma' Devi Sri Prasad's first film as an actor?
Yes, 'Yellamma' marks Devi Sri Prasad's acting debut. He is also composing the film's music, making it a dual role unique in his career.
How long was the first meeting between Devi Sri Prasad and director Venu Yeldandi?
Director Venu Yeldandi disclosed that his first discussion with Devi Sri Prasad for 'Yellamma' lasted eight hours. He shared a photo from the meeting on social media to mark the occasion.
Who are the key people behind 'Yellamma'?
The film is directed by Venu Yeldandi, produced by Shrish under SVC, and presented by Dil Raju. Cinematography is by Acharya Venu, and the music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad himself, who also stars in the lead role.
