Director Raghav Omkar Sasidhar, recognized for his achievements in directing award-winning short films, takes on his debut feature film project with 'The 100.' In this interview, Sasidhar delves into the intricacies of the film, providing insights into the challenges and nuances of creating a quality movie in the action-thriller genre.
The 100 Director Raghav Omkar Sasidhar, spoke to Deccan Chronicle about the film and why he chose RK Sagar to play a tough cop. Excerpts.
Why did you pick this subject for your directorial debut?
I had several stories on hand, and I initially attempted to approach another actor. However, due to his busy schedule with assignments, I couldn't proceed. Coincidentally, around the same time, RK Sagar, whom I have known for many years, inquired if I had any interesting projects. When I shared the narrative of 'The 100' with him, he expressed immediate interest. Sagar mentioned that he had been eagerly awaiting a story of this nature and had heard about a real-life incident involving a cop. I incorporated that element into the existing story I had written.
In which genre would you fit your movie
'The 100' is a unique blend of an emotional action thriller, encompassing elements of emotions, family scenes, and gripping thrills. Striking a balance between realism and commercial appeal, the film presents a rare combination that caters to a wide audience demographic. With a storyline that is relatable and a pertinent point being addressed, 'The 100' will resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a film that appeals to both kids and elders alike.
Why did you name the movie 100?
The motion poster will throw some insights into the reasoning behind the title. However, the complete clarity and significance of the title will only fully unfold when the audience experiences the movie. It's worth emphasizing that the title has been carefully chosen and is perfectly fitting for the narrative.
RK Sagar is synonymous among Telugu household as a family man, thanks to his serials. Do you think he can pull off the role of a cop?
'The 100' will be a fitting project for the actor, given his substantial fan base. Despite his previous stint as a cop on the small screen, his role as Vikranth in 'The 100' brings forth a distinctive character. Sagar's on-screen presence will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
You have picked the best talent in technical dept, one being Animal music composer…
The music for the movie is crafted by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, renowned for his work on 'Animal,' 'Kabir Singh,' and 'Arjun Reddy.' The four songs composed by Rameshwar for 'The 100' are described as amazing, and his background score significantly enhances the overall cinematic experience, contributing to the film's feel and atmosphere.Shyam K Naidu, a seasoned cinematographer with a track record of successful films, brings his expertise to 'The 100,' ensuring that his camera work aligns seamlessly with the film's mood.
Action is a big part of a movie like this. Who’s directing the stunts?
Vijay Master and Dragon Prakash Master have crafted the fight sequences for 'The 100,' ensuring that they align with a specific mood integral to the storyline. The action scenes complement the overall storytelling. RK Sagar has put in a lot of effort into the action scenes, which shows his commitment and passion towards the craft.
Has your work with Krishna Vamsi come handy?
The approach and presentation of Krishna Vamsi have been a significant influence on me. It's essential to convey something uplifting when you tell a story. Also, it helps to experiment with different genres. I have structured my stories in such a way as to avoid redundancy. Besides my six Nandi awards, my award-winning indie/short films, namely 'Nannu Kshaminchandi,' 'Laddu,' and 'Omkaram,' have collectively earned hundreds of international awards.
Have you locked the theatrical release date of the movie?
The producers are yet to finalise the release date. Once the date is confirmed, we will kick off the promotional activities for 'The 100' to build anticipation and awareness among the audience.
Tell us about your next project after ‘The 100’
My next project will be a socio-mythic fantasy, which will be a large-scale cinematic endeavor. The official announcement will be made by the producer.
