“Movies were a primary source of entertainment for kids like me born in the 90s, apart from television and outdoor sports. Cinema played an integral part in my life. I vividly remember the time when my family decided to go and watch Pawan Kalyan’s Khushi in Jagdamba theatre in Vishakapatnam. We knew that we shouldn’t expect anything less than a housefull show.
As we entered the theatre, the whole idea of a movie became overwhelming for me. I saw my mom and aunt lie to the manager to buy tickets. I was dumbstruck as I always idolised them as disciplined women. That’s when I realised that cinema is a grand celebration where morals can be forgiven.
Having an attention span of a gold fish, it was nothing except cinema that could keep me engrossed for a long period of time.
I was amazed at every aspect shown through it. I was always curious to know, how does change their costumes in a jiffy while dancing for a song. It was fascinating to see how people go bonkers for one character in a story. There was a time when the famous beach road in Vizag would be filled with people, just to catch a glimpse of Megastar Chiranjeevi garu. The euphoria that these idols create causes a stir. After going through such experiences, I fantasised that one day I will also be among the elite group signing an autograph and not the one taking it.
As I grew, I became adamant that I would be realising my dream of making a career in the world of cinema. Working as an assistant director for a film, I got a hang of how things work in this industry. I started to realise that different people have unique approaches to get their job done. Eventually I decided to quit as an assistant director and yes, it was not a smooth road ahead.
Two years later, I started working with Ravikanth for his debut film Kshanam. He is someone who has always held by back. During this period of introspection, Siddu Jonnalagadda came up with the script for Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma. As I read through the it, I was awestruck. Fom there on, my journey as a director for my debut film started to materialse.
While I started working for the film, I realised that it was not a cake walk. I knew I couldn’t turn back and had to fight through this. I then decided to learn the art of filmmaking right from scratch.
Through this epic journey, my family was petrified with the indefinite nature of work cinema has always had. You never know what will hit you but they never stopped backing me even on my pressing days.
All through this ride. I kept telling myself that it’s not movies but life that needs to be taken seriously. The choices that you take in life, sticks to you only for this moment. You should never be pushed into your future or be bogged down by your past.”