Needi Nadi Okate Katha is one film which has generated a good interest all over. The film is up for a release this Friday and on this occasion, we caught up with the film’s director Venu Udugula for an exclusive interview. Here is the transcript.
About your backdrop?
I was never interested in studies and wanted to become a bus conductor first. As I grew older, I got attracted towards films and landed in Hyderabad. I worked as an assistant director to Madan and started my film journey in 2008.
Why did it take so long for you to direct a film?
I always wanted to make a sensible film and was roaming with several scripts for years. I approached many producers and even some of my films started but to my bad luck, they got shelved even before they went on floors. These ten years have been very tough for me but I was very adamant that I should come up with a film that leaves a social message.
What kind of social message this film has?
Nowadays, kids are forced to become either a doctor or an engineer. No one including the parents cares what the kids want to become. There are all sorts of kids in this world and what happens when a normal college drop out faces problems from his parents. My story is all about that one person who goes against his parents and becomes successful in life.
What made you choose Sree Vishnu?
I had so many noted actors in mind and even approached them but things did not work out. This is the time one of my co-directors suggested Sree Vishnu’s name and said that one day he will become a huge star. I approached Sree Vishnu and he okayed the film right away.
About Sree Vishnu’s performance?
You will see Sree Vishnu’s acting prowess with this film. The way he has owned the underdog character and mouthed the Chittor slang will impress everyone big time. Once the film releases, he will be spoken about quite highly.
Why did you choose director Devi Sri Prasad for the father’s role?
I wanted to have Samutrakani play that role but he was too busy for us. We then decided to have a newcomer and one of my team members suggested director Devi Sri Prasad’s name. He has acted will quite well and will surely be applauded by one and all once the film comes out.
What are the highlights of the film?
The hero in the film suffers from psychological frustration with the growing demands of the society and his parents. I feel that Sree Vishnu’s character will connect with everybody in a big way and every student will see himself in him. My film also has a good message for the parents and is quite socially relatable too.
Future projects?
My film has become the talk of the town. The censor officials spoke to me for an hour after watching the film. Some even had tears and appreciated me a lot. The word has already spread and some big banners have already approached me. I will announce my new film in a week’s time.
With this, we ended our exclusive interview with Venu and wished him the best of luck for his future projects.
Interviewed by Avad
