Even knowing from his past life how successful the film would become, seeing the actor in person still felt slightly surreal. Back then, he had watched Puneet only on screens among cheering audiences.
Now he was sitting across the same table discussing production.
"Director sir told me about you," Puneet said politely while looking toward Nagaraju. "Congratulations on your previous project."
"Thank you," Nagaraju replied respectfully. "I'm honored to work on this one."
The discussion began soon afterward.
The director narrated portions of the script again, this time focusing more on performance beats, emotional transitions, and commercial elevation scenes meant specifically for Puneet's image. As the narration progressed, Puneet listened seriously, occasionally asking practical questions about pacing, character motivation, and audience engagement.
Nagaraju noticed something important during the conversation.
Puneet wasn't selecting films casually.
He genuinely analyzed whether the story would emotionally connect with viewers.
That professionalism increased Nagaraju's confidence even further.
At one point, Puneet leaned back slightly and looked toward Nagaraju.
"So," he asked directly, "how much involvement are you planning to have in the production?"
The question made the room quieter.
Until now, Nagaraju had originally intended to participate mainly as an investor alongside others. But after spending the entire night thinking carefully, his decision had changed completely.
He looked at the script lying on the table for a brief moment before answering.
"I've been considering it seriously since yesterday," he said steadily. "And I've decided something."
The director looked up curiously.
Nagaraju continued.
"I don't want this project to depend on scattered financing or outside uncertainty. I want complete production control under one banner."
The room fell silent for two seconds.
Then the director's eyes widened slightly as he understood what Nagaraju meant.
"You mean…"
"Yes," Nagaraju said firmly. "I'll produce the film completely from my own banner."
Even Puneet looked mildly surprised by the confidence in his tone.
Producing a major star film entirely was not a small responsibility. The budget itself would be massive compared to Nagaraju's earlier investment ventures. Shooting schedules, distribution pressure, publicity, salaries, logistics—everything would now fall under his banner.
But Nagaraju's expression did not change.
Inside, he already knew the future potential of the project.
This wasn't blind confidence.
This was calculated conviction backed by memories nobody else possessed.
The director exchanged a quick glance with the actor before speaking.
"Are you sure? Once announced officially, expectations will increase immediately."
"I understand," Nagaraju replied. "But I also believe this film deserves stability from beginning to end. If we do this properly, it won't just become successful. It'll become memorable."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then slowly, Puneet smiled.
It wasn't a flashy reaction—just genuine approval.
"I like your confidence," he said. "And honestly, commitment matters a lot in filmmaking. Half the problems in this industry start when producers lose confidence midway."
Nagaraju nodded slightly.
"That won't happen from my side."
The meeting gradually shifted into serious planning after that.
Budget structures.
Possible shooting timelines.
Music director discussions.
Location options.
Festival release windows.
Every topic was examined carefully over the next few hours.
Music director discussions.
Location options.
Festival release windows.
Every topic was examined carefully over the next few hours.
As discussions continued, Nagaraju quietly realized something important.
This was the first time people in the industry were beginning to treat him not merely as an investor—but as a producer.
A real producer.
Someone carrying responsibility for an entire film.
The thought felt strange yet satisfying.
By afternoon, the primary agreement had been settled verbally among everyone present. Legal paperwork and financial structuring would begin soon afterward, but the core decision was already final.
The film would move forward.
And it would be produced entirely under Nagaraju's banner.
As the meeting ended, Puneet stood up and shook Nagaraju's hand firmly.
"Let's make a good film," he said.
Nagaraju smiled faintly.
"Not just good," he replied calmly. "A blockbuster."
The director laughed after hearing that, while Puneet gave an amused smile.
To them, it sounded like ambition.
Only Nagaraju knew it sounded closer to memory.