One of the most memorable scenes in Kamal Haasan’s classic, Sagara Sangamam, is a boy photographer capturing Kamal in funny angles. That bespectacled boy, Chakri Toleti, has now grown up to become a film director. Incidentally, he has directed Kamal for his very first film, Eenadu, a remake of super hit Hindi film, A Wednesday, which also stars Venkatesh in the lead role. In an exclusive chitchat with Telugucinema.com, he shares his views about filmmaking, his experiences with Kamal and Venky and lots more.
Why did you select a remake for your debut film?
Whether it is a remake or straight film, what matters is how well we narrated it. I liked the original film, A Wednesday, and it has good script, so we remade it. My intention is to make good films, irrespective of from where the original idea comes.
Any changes done to the original film?
Not many except that we localized it. Made it more engrossingly as possible.
You are popular as child artiste. In how many films did you act so far?
About 18 films in both Telugu and Tamil. Among Telugu films, Sagara Sangamam, Paila Pachchees, Mayuri were better known ones.
Where have you been all these years?
After graduating here, I left for USA where I studied filmmaking and later worked Disney. After that I worked with my brother in technology projects. We both managed several projects. During my stay at USA, I got enough practical experience in filmmaking and I came back to India to make my dreams (of filmmaking) realize. I am good at technical side and special effects in filmmaking. So when Krishnavamsi asked me to work for Sri Anjaneyam for special effects, I readily agreed. Then I also assisted
Kamal Haasan in the same department for Dasavatharam.
How did Eenadu happen? Is it because of you association with Kamal?
Chance to direct this film didn’t happen just because I know him very well, and we are family friends. We have been discussing lots of things for over years as I have regularly been in touch with him. One discussion led to another and I ended up taking this project. I liked A Wednesday and Kamal too impressed with it and so we decided to remake it.
Although my father who wrote for couple of Kamal Haasan’s films is a good friend to him, I got this chance on purely professional grounds – not on personal relationships.
So are you satisfied with the final product?
Oh, yes. Although it is not original film, recreating the same magic in Telugu and Tamil was tough and we achieved it. The disadvantage with a remake is that people compare our work with the original. But I am sure that those who have seen the original would also love Eenadu.
Why did you choose RED Camera Technology for Eenadu?
First and foremost, it brings super quality and audiences can enjoy the rich visuals on screen. The other reason is I am very accustomed to RED Cameras.
Do you think digital technology will change the filmmaking process?
In my opinion, digital technology will revolutionalise the whole process. Ultimately, it is the way to go. It is efficient, cost-effective, and gives wider options for filmmaker.
But it was not used in South India before? So how did your cameramen handle it?
We brought three technicians from USA, Australia and London who are specialized on RED camera. These technicians worked for Hollywood films like District 9, 300 etc. That is why I am saying Eenadu will look richer and technically sound.
You worked as actor with Kamal and directing him. Can you share your experiences when you acted with him? Also what was the experience like directing him?
I don’t remember my experiences as actor because I was really a child. As a director, I am happy to share my experiences. He is great actor and it is my fortune to direct him in the very first film. He knows everything about filmmaking and his vast knowledge and expertise comes as handy for any director.
How was it working with Venkatesh?
Venkatesh is also great actor. I am really very lucky to direct all these stalwarts - Kamal, Venky, Mohan Lal (for Tamil version) in my debut movie. Venkatesh is cool guy.
Whose idea it was to rope in Venky?
Even before Eenadu started, Kamal planned Marmayogi with Venky. So he suggested him for this too. It was Kamal’s idea.
Why did you rope in an established director Neelakanta to write dialogues?
I was discussing about dialogue writer with couple of my friends like Venkat Kuchipudi and they suggested Neelakantha’s name saying he is best choice for this kind of movies. I didn’t see his films before I roped in but I loved his knowledge and understanding of films. He has given me good dialogues.
What kind of films you like to see and direct?
I love all good films. I watch all kinds of films. But I haven’t seen a Telugu film for a long time. Only recently that I watched Magadheera. As I director, I love to experiment in all genres.
Any film that had lasting impression on you?
There are too many to name.
What’s next?
There are couple of ideas and plans. Lets see how they materialize.
Int by: JP
Related Links :
Eenadu review
Chakri interview
Venky chitchat
Eenadu logo launch
Abroad Schedules
Eenadu Trailor
