Background:
I am born in Khammam and brought up in Warangal. I have completed my masters in Manipal. I did my mass communications in Manipal Institute of Communication. I watched my first film Gandhi (English film) during my 3rd stand in Alankar theater, Warangal. It was Mr. AF Mathews, my professor in film studies at Manipal Institute of Communication. I joined that college to become a journalist. It was Mr. Mathews who influenced me to become a filmmaker. I got tremendous interest developed in intricacies of filmmaking through his teachings. I completed my post-graduation in 2002 and I had two offers. One was to work in a National channel for a salary of 12k and to work in Ramoji film city for a salary of 4.5K. My father suggested that I should take RFC job because it keeps me near to the goal of becoming a filmmaker. Later on I have worked in realted companies like UGC, Rediffusion, Radio Mirchi and Vyjayanthi Movies before becoming an independent film director. My wife has a Phd in Economics and teaches at Victoria University, Australia. I am blessed with a daughter.
Trails:
I had been narrating stories to several producers and actors for a couple of years. Most of them liked it, but nobody came forward to act/produce in it. Since nobody was betting on me as a director, I have decided to take a chance myself. I became the producer and prepared the story outline of Onamalu and narrated it to Rajendra Prasad. He has liked it and agreed to act in the film. Since Onamalu deals with human relationships and I am too young, I need somebody whose experience can add depth to the story. That is where Tammudu Satyam stepped in. He has brought his rich experience to this story. The story I have narrated to Rajendra Prasad has completely transformed into a better one with the involvement of Tammudu Satyam.
Story:
The story of the film is about a retired teacher who stays with his kids in USA coming back to India searching for his own roots. Entire first half deals with this point. The second half is all about what he sees when he reached his home place and how things have transformed. Onamalu is an open ended film and is a kind of a bio-pic. There are no negative characters. There is nobody at fault in the film. I have portrayed characters from the society without being judgmental. There is no preaching in the movie. There is entertainment as well in the form of clean humor.
Sirivennela single card:
I wanted Sirivennela to pen lyrics for Onamalu. But he has categorically told me that he will write songs only if he likes the story and orientation. He has got so much impressed by the story that he has accepted to write all lyrics for Onamalu.
Rajendra Prasad’s method acting:
Rajendra Prasad said that he wanted to do method acting for yeas and Onamalu film has fulfilled his dream. Incidentally Rajendra Prasad’s father was also a teacher and he could relate to the character really well. I learnt about acting from Rajendra Prasad and taught it to kids who acted in the movie. There are five important characters plays by kids and they have done exceptionally well.
Hari Anumolu’s dedication:
I am amazed at the dedication and skill of Hari Anumolu. He is a 50+ man and he never said no to me. He used to come early to shoot. I used to suggest 5 framings for each shot and he used to put each and every framing before selecting the best one. He has worked really hard for the movie. Most of the shots are realistic and used in-between-eye style of positioning.
Khadeer Babu and Koti:
Khadeer Babu has penned beautiful dialogues. His Dargamitta Kathalu is extremely popular among literary lovers. We gelled really well. Koti has given an amazing background score.
Finances:
I am basically from a middle class. I had invested my money in the film with the encouragement of my mother. I have a lot of social capital and could able to generate funds. People like Ramesh Prasad too helped me in terms of providing infrastructure at at flexible tariff.
Favorites:
My favorite director is T Krishna and I am influenced by him. Among the current crop of directors, I like the way Sekhar Kammula mixes sensibilities with commercial elements. He has amazing guts.
Why should anybody watch Onamalu?
I am a kind of guy who watches all the movies that are released irrespective of cast and talk. I never look for any reasoning while watching movies. But I can say one thing about my film. If you go for any buffet dinner, you will have all kinds of items and you cherish all of them. But it is curd rice (perugannam) that gives completeness to your meal. Likewise, please watch all movies and also kindly watch Onamalu to feel that completeness like perugannam.
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