After setbacks in the Hindi film industry, he returned to Telugu cinema with plans to cast newcomers, including Sarath Babu as the lead.

However, his colleagues advised against the financial risks of working with newcomers and suggested approaching Krishna, whom Subba Rao had launched as a lead actor in Thene Manasulu.

Subba Rao met Krishna, who immediately agreed to star in the film, providing his call sheets without hesitation and prioritizing the project to support his mentor.

[2][6] Subba Rao initially envisioned a concept similar to his earlier film Sudigundalu (1968), focused on the moral conflict of teaching children to always tell the truth while occasionally instructing them not to.

His appearance was marked by a distinctive look, including a checked lungi, thin shirt, scarf around the neck, wide belt, and a stick.

This unique presentation, combined with the character's bold and assertive personality, contributed to the film's appeal and left a lasting impression on audiences.

[3] Annapurna Pictures, who agreed to distribute the film, set a condition to Subba Rao that it be made in black-and-white with a budget cap of ₹8 lakh.

However, Krishna opposed the idea, recalling Subba Rao's earlier achievement of making Thene Manasulu in colour, despite it featuring newcomers with no established market.

[2][6] Subba Rao entrusted K. Viswanath, his protégé, to direct the courtroom climax scenes due to scheduling conflicts with his Hindi ventures.

Initially an assistant director, Satyanand was encouraged by Subba Rao to transition to screenwriting, which led to a successful career spanning over 400 films.