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Exclusive interview: Movie lovers are always open to new stories, says Venkatesh Pediredla

The director's debut film 'Anukoni Prayanam', released on 28 October, won positive reviews for its sensible content.

Deepthi Nandan

Published Nov 02, 2022 | 1:35 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 02, 2022 | 1:35 PM

Venkatesh Pediredla

Director Venkatesh Pediredla is currently basking in the success of his directorial debut 'Anukoni Prayanam'. (Supplied)

Rajendra Prasad-starrer Anukoni Prayanam, which was released last Friday, 28 October, got good reviews and is being appreciated for its sensible content: Death in the backdrop of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Debutant director Venkatesh Pediredla, who chose an offbeat story for his maiden venture, is elated that this small-budget movie struck the right chord with the audience.

In an exclusive interview with South First, Pediredla shared his journey: Doing an MBA from Andhra University to directing Anukoni Prayanam, why he chose a serious subject for his debut film, and much more. Read through:

Q. Anukoni Prayanam is getting good reviews, but it was quite a risky subject for a debut. What made you choose such a “heavy” subject?

A. The movie deals with the struggles of a person who has to take his friend’s corpse to the latter’s native place so his family could catch the last glimpse.

While it is a risky subject, it also has many heart-touching emotions and highlights the various facets of human life. It also offers a vast canvas for the director to experiment with. That’s why I chose the subject.

Q. Isn’t it true that debutant directors mostly bank on rom-coms or comedies for a safe debut?

A. I came to Hyderabad from Narsipatnam in Andhra Pradesh in 2010, after completing my MBA from Andhra University, to become a film director.

All these years, I struggled and worked for several TV shows like “Bol Baby Bol” and also as an assistant and associate director. This experience helped me realise that content is king and audiences are always open to new and different stories.

Therefore, I felt that it is better to debut with an offbeat story rather than a regular rom-com or comedy. Though it is risky, I was confident that it would get special recognition.

Q. In the movie, the protagonist has to travel with the body braving the Covid-19 lockdown. Didn’t you face problems shooting that post-lockdown?

A. Like the journey of the protagonist, even we faced a lot of obstacles during shooting. During the second wave of the Covid-19 lockdowns, our schedules went haywire.

All the artists, including Rajendra Prasad, were busy with their schedules. Therefore, it was quite a difficult task to reschedule. When Rajendra Prasad tested positive for Covid, we were worried and concerned about his health. But, it all ended well!

Q. How was it working with a senior actor like Rajendra Prasad?

A. It has been a joy and a great learning experience to work with Rajendra Prasad. He has been our main pillar of support. Anukoni Prayanam came out in such a way because of the efforts and commitment of Rajendra Prasad.

While we were shooting a scene in the forest near Narsipatnam, he fell into the water and was injured. Though I decided to give them a break, he said “no” and continued with the shoot.

Even after being hospitalised due to Covid, Rajendra Prasad used to enquire about the movie’s progress and got back to the shoot immediately after being discharged.

I must say, he is a director’s actor and has been an inspiring presence on the sets. Since he was impressed with the story, he also helped us promote the flick.

Q. Senior actor Prema made an appearance in Tollywood after a long hiatus…

A. Yes, this is the second innings for Prema. She has been away from films for quite a long time.

She agreed to make a re-entry into movies with our film as she liked the script. Though she has limited screen time, her role drives the story.

Not just Prema, Anukoni Prayanam also features many senior actors like Tulasi, Ravi Babu and Narasimha Raju. It is because of their support that we could complete the film within the stipulated schedules, despite the pandemic troubles.


Q. It is difficult to get theatres for small-budget films, all thanks to the competition. How did you manage it?

A. To be frank, promoting and releasing a movie is tougher than filmmaking. It becomes even more difficult for small films. Hence, we banked on our content.

Everyone who saw Anukoni Prayanam appreciated our efforts and patted our backs for coming up with genuine work.

The management of UV Creations saw our movie and helped us release it. It is because of their support that we could release our film in more than 100 theatres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and reach out to the audience.

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