Being an editor has helped me become a better director: Editor-actor Naveen Vijay Krishna

And now, Naveen is making the news for turning a director. 

Editor-actor Naveen Vijay Krishna is now debuting as a director. (Supplied)

In a free-wheeling chat with South First, Naveen Vijay Krishna talks about his journey from editing to acting and business. He is ready with his maiden musical short titled “Satya” starring Sai Dharam Tej and Swathi Reddy.

If that is a showreel to showcase his skill, there is also a feature film # (Hashtag) that will soon be greenlit by producer Harshit Reddy.

‘Have been in cinema since 18’

Asked why he does films occasionally and if people take him seriously, Naveen Vijay Krishna replies, “When you actually see from a prism outside, it looks like I am well placed; like I do films whenever it is convenient or they please me. It is as if I am having a gala time.”

“But what people don’t know is that I have been in the cinema since I was 18. There is a fundamental difference between being a technician and an actor,” he points out.

Naveen Vijay Krishna with his actor-director grandmother late Vijaya Nirmala. (Supplied)

The multi-talented technician adds: “In work, there is zero politics. It is all art and creativity, without the need to put on a mask. When you are an actor, everything is dissected and you are put under a microscope.”

When Naveen Vijay Krishna started working, a couple of his films were released and tanked, or shelved. Even his business venture, an ambitious project, didn’t fructify.

“Things weren’t working out as expected. So, I stepped back for a while. Meanwhile, my mom and granny passed away and it affected me. It was a painful phase,” he recalls.

Nandini Nursing Home (2016) was the only movie that fetched him good reviews, despite putting up a dismal show in Telangana.

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‘Done seeing other man’s vision’

Asked if he got bored of editing and hence switched gears to direction, Naveen Vijay Krishna quips: “I am done sitting and editing for long hours and seeing another man’s vision. I want to be in the main seat and create a world.”

Naveen is a fitness enthusiast, too. (Supplied)

He further adds, “I’m so happy directing. Being an editor was indeed beneficial. It helped me become a better director. Also, I am still an actor and you’ll see me in # (Hashtag). I am directing it, too. The script is ready and a major announcement is coming soon.”

About directing his first music video Satya, he shares, “Satya is an idea brought by Harshith Reddy, the producer of Balagam. He got me a music video composed by Sruthi Ranjan, a composer who worked with SS Thaman.”

“The production company is promoting new music directors and bringing out new music videos. Satya is about a soldier’s wife. Sai Dharam Tej and Swathi Reddy play the lead roles in it,” he adds.

Friends(like family) are coming together for a very special passion project.

When friends make something together, it’s bound to be made with love

Can’t wait to share it with you all#SwathiReddy @NawinVK @DilRajuProdctns @HR_3555 #HanshithaReddy @dop_balaji_137@SruthiSings pic.twitter.com/bOe7quvnTk

— Sai Dharam Tej (@IamSaiDharamTej) January 26, 2023

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On his friendship with Tej

Naveen Vijay Krishna is the son of actor Naresh. (Supplied)

Though Naveen Vijay Krishna and Sai Dharam Tej are buddies, the former hesitated to approach the actor just because he was a friend.

But Tej was forthcoming and volunteered to work under Naveen’s direction which was his intention for a long time.

Naveen Vijay Krishna recollects: “I told him that it was a girl’s story, but Tej was okay doing it. He said Virupaksha (2023) is also a girl’s story and yet he acted in it.”

The advantage of Tej playing lead in Satya is manifold. Naveen waxes eloquently, “Tej can do a film like this and also a big film. Some actors are stuck in a bracket, but Tej has so much to explore.”

He adds, “Also, Sai Dharam Tej has added a lot of value and mojo to the film. Every story is the same old stuff but how we narrate it makes the difference. Tej believed in my vision.” 

About feedback, Naveen Vijay Krishna says, “We are catering to the audience; the reason we are here is because of them and we should take their criticism constructively. I welcome trolls, they are so creative and we can learn so much from social media.”

The technician ends the conversation on a philosophical note. “There is a positive point in every person. If we trust them, the positivity will surface. We just need to be patient and life would give you another chance.”

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