I hope to direct a slice-of-life Telugu film, says Krishna Anaberi

OTTs have opened up newer opportunities for filmmakers worldwide enabling them to go beyond the usual feature film format. Of late, documentaries and short films are coming up well as they are finding a global platform to showcase their work. ‘Rest of the Night’ is a perfect example of this new phenomenon. ‘Deccan Chronicle’ recently caught up with its producer Krishna Anaberi-Founder of Anaberi Films, who originally hails from Hyderabad and is currently based in Canada. Excerpts:

Your short film is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. You are from Hyderabad. Tell us about your connection with the city.

Thanks for asking and taking out the time to for doing this. Well, Hyderabad is my early memory of an introduction to a city. I was in kindergarten when we moved here from Karimnagar, and since then, Hyderabad holds such a special place in my heart as it’s where I grew up and had my most formative years. Whenever I think of home, Hyderabad and Polampalli, my family’s village, come to mind first. I attended St. Paul’s school, and later, I studied at LFJC. Many of my fondest memories with my parents are from Hyderabad, and Hyderabad’s diverse culture and a strong sense of secularism left a lasting impact on me. The way different backgrounds and cultures coexist harmoniously in close quarters is something I’ve always admired about the city, especially from my childhood memories.

The short film is up on Disney+Hotstar. How has been the response?

You know, it’s like the film is starting to find its legs and really gain some traction. It’s been a slow burn; well, the response has been, uh, decent. People seem to be enjoying it, which is always nice. I’ve even gotten some lovely messages from viewers who really connected with the themes and characters of the film. Many viewers have praised the performances of the cast and the overall production quality of the film. The platform has allowed the film to reach a wider audience, and I have received feedback from people from all walks of life, which has been truly humbling.

How did you manage to get it on Disney+Hotstar?  

We reached out to several friends and colleagues in the industry and pitched to various platforms. However, many of them were not interested in acquiring short films or did not have the resources to do justice to the film. Fortunately, Disney+Hotstar was actively seeking new content at the time, and we were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

The film is B&W. Obviously, it must have been a thought-about decision. What was the rationale behind it?

That’s a question for Prayrit (Seth, writer-director) to answer. Black & White cinematography can create a specific mood or aesthetic in a film, evoking nostalgia. Prayrit used it to pay homage to classic films or convey intimacy and emotion. The decision to shoot in Black & White is a personal one, and we wanted a desired emotional impact. Also, shooting in black and white allowed us to focus more on the visual elements of the image without the distraction of color.

Can you tell us about your experience of working with Kirti Kulhari.

Kirti goes above and beyond to embody her characters and deliver the best performance possible fully. And she’s not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, which can create a rewarding environment for everyone involved. Her ability to bring the script to life was truly impressive, and her experience in the industry added so much value to the project. And on top of all that, she was patient and an absolute joy to work with.

Entertainment is predominately feature films, serials, etc., for audiences. Do you think with OTTs, now people are ready for short films also?

‘Rest of the Night’ is a perfect example of how the rise of OTT platforms has provided a platform for short films. OTT platforms have breathed new life into short films, making them more accessible to a broader audience. These platforms are great because they allow filmmakers to tell unique and diverse stories that may have been overlooked in the traditional format. It’s an exciting time to be a filmmaker.

Any plans for a feature film?

Yeah, of course. I’m hopeful that things will work out. I’m currently working as a script doctor on a few different projects. I’ve been thinking about putting together a documentary and even helping out with a French Canadian film.

As for making a feature film, I wouldn’t rule it out if the right opportunity presented itself. But honestly, my main focus at the moment is just on creating content that I’m truly passionate about, regardless of the format. I really enjoy producing stories that have the power to connect with people and make a difference in their lives. So whether it’s a short film, a documentary, or a feature, I’m always keeping an eye out for projects which interest me.

Your first production is a short film, ‘Rest of the Night.’ Isn’t a short film a rather unusual choice for a maiden venture?

While it may seem like an unusual choice for a first production, I see short films as a fantastic opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques while also showcasing my storytelling abilities.

In fact, making short films is often a necessary step towards eventually making a feature film. By creating a series of successful shorts, I can build up a solid portfolio and hone my skills as a filmmaker, which can then help me attract funding and resources for large-scale projects.

Personally, I love short films and think they have so much to offer. They can be incredibly powerful and moving, packing a lot of emotion and storytelling into a brief runtime. Plus, they offer a lot of creative freedom and flexibility in terms of format and genre.

For some time now, you have relocated to Canada. Why? Any plans to come back?

Ha ha, umm, that is such a tough question. I have this unending curiosity to travel, and I want to be away from the confines of a static existence. In this transient lifestyle, I’m attracted to the sense of freedom, and I'm so restless to experience cultures. At the moment, I consider both Montreal and Hyderabad to be my home; I appreciate the opportunity to experience different ways of life. Being away from each city and then returning gives me a sense of appreciation for both places and having dual identities is something that I cherish deeply. However, the idea of a single place being considered “home” feels alien to me, as I’ve been a bit of a nomad for almost two decades.

As a filmmaker and a digital nomad, I have had the privilege of traveling to many places and meeting people from various backgrounds. One thing that I’ve noticed is that no matter where I go, people love stories. It’s a universal human experience that transcends cultural and language barriers. Whether it’s a Hollywood blockbuster or a folk tale from a remote village, stories have the power to captivate and connect us. I love immersing myself in new cultures and discovering new perspectives; I digress...Yes! I miss Hyderabad; I crave biryani and the relaxed vibes of the city. In the future, I hope to return to Hyderabad and perhaps even direct a slice-of-life Telugu film that captures the city’s essence or my nostalgia.