Legendary director, Late Kodi Ramakrishna’s elder daughter, Kodi Divya Deepthi is venturing into film production with the film ‘Nenu Meeku Baga Kavalsina Vadini’ starring Kiran Abbavaram. She spoke to us ahead of her birthday sharing. Here is the transcript.

Your father was a great director, but you have chosen to be a producer. Is there any strong reason behind this?

I used to work for my dad’s films earlier. My actual interest was direction. But my mother was very considerate of me for not entering films. After my marriage, my husband gave me enough freedom. Due to dad’s health issues, it got delayed. I always wanted to get connected with the film industry. Hence I stepped now as a producer.

Did your father teach you any production-related tactics?

My dad always used to say that every penny that we spend should be visible on the screen. I am very particular about that and used to guide my team on this.

Why did you choose to produce a movie with an upcoming hero?

Actually, we should have launched Kiran Abbavaram and I was listening to stories back then. But, due to dad’s ailing health, we asked Kiran to proceed with Raja Vaaru Raani Gaaru. We have spent a good amount of money on this film which can be seen once it comes out.

What factor about this film’s plot excited you the most to produce?

Of late, only films that have an ample amount of entertainment are performing well. The entertainment factor is very high in this film and the songs also came out really well. I don’t want to make a message-oriented movie. The movie ticks all the boxes of commercial entertainers.

Tell us about the director?

SR Kalyanamandapam fame Sridhar Gade is helming this project. He has got a good rapport with Kiran which can be reflected on-screen with comic timing especially. Sridhar also is an editor which makes him understand the audience’s pulse well.

How was your working experience? Did you incorporate what you have learned from your father?

I was very careful regarding spending money. My dad dislikes wasting money. At the same time, we didn’t compromise on the quality and maintained good production values. Every day was a new learning experience during this film’s shoot.

When can we expect you to wield the megaphone?

I feel whatever we do, we have to do with perfection. Direction is a huge responsibility. After producing certain movies, I will try direction. I have a few thoughts which need to be worked on.

Kodi Ramakrishna gaaru’s movies normally will have high-end graphics? Will you produce such movies?

If the story demands, I will definitely. But it shouldn’t rely just on graphics. There needs to be a good story. It is important that the audience connects with the story.

Do you plan to remake any of your father’s films?

No. They are some classics which shouldn’t be touched again. They should be left. Otherwise, the essence of such movies might get impacted.

Do you take suggestions from industry people who used to be close to your father?

I will definitely take it. Shyam Prasad gaaru has always guided me. I am working with his daughter now. I will keep in touch with everyone with whom dad used to be close.

Many heroes would prefer to work in your banner? Why did you work with Kiran?

Being the first movie, I wanted to do a medium-budget film. I knew Kiran earlier. When we heard this script, I felt Kiran will suit the role. There are not many options for heroes in this new generation. Hence we went ahead with Kiran.

When can we expect your future projects to start?

I will be revealing those details once this film releases. There is very little time left for the release, so we are concentrating on this project.