Director Mohanakrishna Indraganti is basking in the glory of his recent hit Ami Thumi. The film is racing ahead with positive word of mouth and we caught up with the talented director for an exclusive interview. Let’s see what he has to say.

How is the response to the film?

We did not have a pre-release event nor a fancy audio launch and did little with promotions as I believed that my content would surely win hearts. As expected, the audience is loving the film and they themselves are spreading the word. Seeing the film’s response, 17 shows have been just added in Hyderabad city which itself speaks about the film.

What do you think has clicked with the film?

The audience is getting to see some fresh and clean comedy which is a rarity these days. This itself has worked in our favor and performances from Vennela Kishore, Syamala and Esha have raised the film to another level.

Vennela Kishore stole the limelight. Did you analyze this during the making?

Yes ! During the shoot, I used to tell that Ami Tumi would take him to the next phase in his career. Being such a busy artist, it was very hard to get his dates. When I narrated the film, I told him that if he does not have enough time, I would even not make the film. Such was my confidence on Kishore who was my only choice. His subtle expressions, tongue and cheek humor are leaving the audience in splits.

What do you have to say about the heavy Telangana dialect used in the film?

I always loved Telangana culture and felt that the dialect was only used for comedy purpose. I etched some of my characters who are Hyderabad based in a way that they should talk in hardcore Telangana. If I would have used normal Telugu, Esha and Bharani garu’s roles would not have clicked the way they have now.

Ami Tumi has three directors working as actors. What was their feedback?

Sesh, Kishore and Avasarala never interfered in my work and only come to the sets as actors. But all of them were very confident that this film would click quite well right from the beginning.

Is comedy your favorite genre?

Yes! you can say that. But many do not know it is the toughest part to make the audience laugh for so long. Directing a thriller or mass entertainer is far easier than making a comedy.

Esha and Syamala’s performance?

Even though I worked with Esha for two films, she is struggling to get the right break and I feel that the gates will open now for her. The way she has performed with a senior actor like Bharani garu is something else. Coming to Syamala, many did not know about her but she was one of the highlights of the film.

How safe is the project now?

My producer is very happy and says that he is in a safe zone already. It was his first film as a producer and he is very happy that audience has appreciated his good content.

Future projects?

Once I wrap up the promotion part of Ami Thumi, I will sit back and think about my next. Either I will do an out and out love story or make a gangster based film.

With that, we wrapped up our interview with Mohana Krishna and wished him the best of luck for his career.

Interviewed by Avad