Everyone knows a good director can make or break a film. But even getting to make a film is not all that easy. Several aspiring directors fail to take the plunge into cinema after years of trying and waiting. Uncertainty, struggles and endless meetings with actors and producers are all part of the territory. For the few that make it and hit the bullseye on the first try, it is quite an achievement.
The latest example of that would be that of director Sankalp Reddy, whose Ghazi is being talked about across the country. The director’s own story in the past few years is one of passion and determination, which any aspiring filmmaker can relate to.
“I wrote the film’s script and decided to make a short film for YouTube. I put in Rs 25 lakh and even had a set designed for the film. But things took a different turn when the current producers took on the project,” says Sankalp, talking about the turn of events.
Sankalp Reddy’s debut film Ghazi was talked about much before its release
While Sankalp’s story may not sound very dramatic, his determination brought Ghazi to the big screen. He joins the ranks of several other debutant directors who made it big after a long wait.
Whether it is director Kalyan Krishna who managed a blockbuster with Soggade Chinni Nayana or Tharun Bhascker and Ravikanth Perepu who wowed with Pelli Choopulu and Kshanam, they belong to the same league of directors like Gopichand Malineni, Anil Ravipudi, Merlapaka Gandhi, Chandoo Mondeti and others who scored a massive hit at the box office in their first attempt.
Kalyan Krishna was one of the few directors who found success with his very first film Soggade Chinni Nayana, that starred Nagarjuna
Of course, that is no easy task. “For a couple of years, all you do is focus on the script in an attempt to create something amazing. Then, all you want is to take the film to the next level, to make it a reality! That period of trial when you are waiting for a chance is horrible. There could be several rejections and moments when things seem to finally be going on the right track before falling apart,” shares Premam director Chandoo Mondeti, recalling the time before he made his debut with the successful Karthikeya.
Chandoo Mondeti
Once the film becomes a reality and things finally fall into place, the next goal is to prove yourself. “The biggest advantage you have when the film is turning out well is the encouragement that comes to you at every stage. People who see the rushes show excitement, on the editing table they seem delighted and all the vibes are positive. It boosts your confidence,” says Merlapaka Gandhi, who kicked off with a very successful Venkatadri Express.
Merlapaka Gandhi
One reason why several actors and producers like to work with already proven names is because of their experience and ability to stay calm when required. “It’s possible for people to be overwhelmed in the presence of a huge star and it is absolutely necessary for a director not to get carried away at any time, because he’s the one who has to handle everything. That’s why, at times, work stops even after the film goes on to the sets. That moment is really painful because for many, their whole world just ends there,” shares a producer, who doesn’t want to be named.
Well-known screenwriter and producer P. Ram Mohan, who introduced Virinchi Varma with the successful Uyyala Jampala, explains, “A producer and a director are like a husband and wife where both need to work in tandem for things to go on smoothly. That’s why a producer tries to figure out right at the beginning whether the person is up to the task.”
Tharun Bhascker
But, is it easy once the opportunity finally comes your way? “Until the film reaches the silver screen, what one goes through cannot be explained in words. It’s a melange of so many emotions. Only one in every thousand aspirants actually gets to make a movie. Talent, patience and hard work are mandatory, but the luck factor and your own work are the things that take you a long way. You hope that the film gets a good release because a good start is enough to change its fate,” explains Chandoo, adding that prior to the first release, anticipation and expectations are high.
Sankalp says that apart from all the anticipation, it is a glorious moment. “A release — and that too in three languages — is truly a dream come true for me,” he says. Gandhi echoes as he states, “Yes, it is. However, soon begins the next struggle! With the film becoming a success, now expectations on your next film are high! I just forget about the last film in two days as I need to move on.”
