After having worked for more than 90 films as a costume designer, Neerajaa Kona took the directorial plunge with Telusu Kada, starring Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty. The film was launched a couple of days ago.
“I am so glad that I am wielding the baton,” says Neerajaa, stating that the film is a romantic drama that’s high on emotions. “It is a character-driven love story and takes the audience along with three people on their journey.”
Neerajaa feels that there are several stories on relationships that can be explored. She explains that the film is her take on simple solutions to handle complex relationships.
She says she’s been thinking of turning director for the last few years. Her interest in poetry-writing and photography and her experience in costume-designing were what prompted her to helm a film. “I always believed the roles of ‘writer’ and ‘director’ come with a lot of responsibilities. I have been writing for the past six years, but wanted to take my time before turning director,” she says, also crediting her friends for instilling confidence in her.
She has access to all the stars and production houses. But she is clear that there’s no short-cut to the filmmaking process. “As a costume designer, I had to undergo all hardships before proving my mettle. And ditto with direction,” she says.
When we ask her how her costume designing experience complements her as a director, Neerajaa replies, “It (costume designing) is what got me to be a director. It helps me to better understand the vision and be more creative in narrating the story. Visual narrative has always been my strength. I have tried my hand at photography too — all this give me an edge.”
Neerajaa pitched the story idea to Siddhu and he liked it. His performances in recent films were what prompted her to approach him. “Since the film is high on emotions, I wanted an actor who can bring a natural sense of humour to the character and the narrative. Moreover, Siddhu is a writer too, so he understands the perspective better,” she explains.
While she’s directing her film, Neerajaa is also working on six other films as a costume designer.
