A new beginning

Director Kumar Vatti, who is making his directorial debut with Chitra Shukla and Sri Vishnu-starrer Maa Abbayi, has been in the industry for more than a decade with the dream of wielding the megaphone.

It is interesting how during the filming of Solo (which had Vishnu in a small role), he told the actor that if he ever made his directorial debut, he would cast him as the male lead.

“Well, it finally did happen! We have been friends for nearly seven years now. But when working together, we shifted to this extremely professional mode. It was overall a great experience,” shares Kumar, talking  about the film, as he adds, “It’s a huge film for Vishnu, made on a high budget. It’s a story which he hasn’t tried earlier, and I am sure once it releases, people will see a new side to him. So far, he was the romantic guy-next-door. Now, he enters into the action mode too. Ours is a family action entertainer, which doesn’t tread the oft-tried path.”

One wonders how this film happened for Kumar. “I have always cherished the dream of becoming a director. But hailing from Srikakulam, I didn’t know how I would  reach here. I started off as an editor and worked under Marthand K. Venkatesh for very long. I later approached Vishnu , who’s a good friend since seven years, with a couple of scripts. Maa Abbayi worked out for us, and we are finally set to come to theatres this week,” shares Kumar.

Is he nervous before the film’s release? “No! I am excited, actually! I have been part of nearly 70-80 films so far and have put my experience as an editor to the best use in this film,” shares Kumar, as he adds on a parting note, “Vishnu saw the film and was quite surprised with how it has worked out! He couldn't believe it’s him! I guess that’s a compliment.  I can’t wait for the audience to see the film.”