Dream Filmmaker!
His latest film was Kerintha in 2015 which was also a huge commercial hit.
Saikiran owns the production company called My Dream Cinema Pvt. Ltd.
Without any further ado, here are the excerpts from my tete-e-tete with this so well-spoken, down-to-earth, friendly filmmaker…
How did Movies happen?
It all started when I was studying 6th grade in school! I was asked to explain some fictional theory in a Science class and I ended up like some big bang theory which they actually could visualize!! And when my Telugu teacher used to teach stories in the class, I could remember them all without the help of any notes whatsoever.
My greatest inspiration and strength in writing is perhaps my parents – Adivi Kanakaraju and Subbaratnam, who had been great writers. Their influence is always on me.
I missed school sometimes to watch films with my mother. Those days, engineering ran in the blood of most of the people and my family was no exception. My Cousins were toppers. I had some kind of an insecure feeling within me, but I believed that some day, I am going to make it big!
The turning point, I guess, was during 1994-95 when I failed in my Intermediate exams – this hit me really hard. I wondered whether I could ever come out with flying colors from college. I continued my studies with greater perseverance than ever.
But simultaneously, I started writing stories. I had always been a good storyteller since childhood – I can still recall how I cooked up stories when I missed school and my parents believed the fake truth! Guess I had it in me to be a film maker since my childhood!
After watching movies like Rangeela (especially Aamir Khan’s character), Gulabi, Shiva, I decided to become a director.
My dad urged me to complete at least Graduation before taking my plunge into films making. Hence, I completed B Com and reached Hyderabad to fulfil my aspiration of life. This was in 2000. I had my future laid out in front of me and the steps were quite clear to me.
I had approached Ramgopal Varma, Nagesh Kukunoor and of course, Shekhar Kammula. That’s how I got involved with the hit movie Anand in 2003. I managed the end-end of film making then – preproduction, editing, promotion et al. I still can’t forget how I sold the movie tickets standing on the road for hours! It taught me so much.
Post Anand, I was involved in the making of yet another super successful movie, Happy Days. And then, Vinayakudu, which was a huge success. It topped the TRPs for quite a long time. It was on par with the other big budget movies of big stars then.
My next movie was Village lo Vinayakudu. I was the Producer, too. It was a commercially average movie but got very favorable reviews.
Then, I made Kerintha for Dil Raju in 2013 and it earned a whopping 9 crore share! It was a run-away success. The same year, I made Kiss, but unfortunately, it was a total wash-out. But, as I believe, it’s all in the game!
Kshanam, released in 2016, has been a big hit. I was involved in its editing and script. Our team is pretty satisfied with its success.
Which role do you enjoy the most as a Film maker – direction, production, writing, release and promotion of the film?
Writing and direction.
Did you think entering the film industry was a risk when you were struggling to get into it?
Well…Life is a journey. If we are happy with what we take up and pursue and of course enjoy it, it won’t be looked at as a risk. As I said earlier, it’s all in our mind. How we perceive it is important. If we consider it as joy, life, profession and passion, there can never be a negative connotation to words like risk and pain!
I love and enjoy doing films. That’s a choice I made in life.
Did you try your hand at Short Films?
Yes…in fact, before Anand took off, I made a documentary titled Gandhi for Mana TV in 2003. I produced it with my friends, Sunil and Prashanth. Anand Ravi (of Pratinidhi fame) was the Director of this documentary.
What was your greatest learning in these 16 plus years of filmdom?
Don't regret anything in life. Once you take up something and enjoy doing it, just do it!
The Awards that you have won…
I won the Nandi award for the Best Debutant Director for my movie, Vinayakudu. It won the 2nd Best Film in that category; Our movie, Kiss, won a few awards back in the USA.
Your Sun sign and how do you relate to it?
Leo; My Strong-willed and Determined nature comes from it!
How about your Family?
I am the only son to my parents. My Dad lives in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh; I lost my mother in 1998. I have a girl friend and we are going to tie the knot soon.
How do you juggle all elements of Film making?
I don't believe in just stories – the emotion and flavor that these stories carry is important - this becomes my Subject; I then try to get the USP for it. I think through the Creative and unique and interesting element that pulls the crowd to the theatres; after the completion of the shooting of the film, I edit and check everything - any issues that may crop up. Then, I ensure to adjust till the thought translates into the final product.
Post all this, I design the pattern of the promotion of the film; I know and love to promote a film - from the title onwards. Once everything is done well, I move onto a new film.
What’s your next movie as Director?
It is going to be with Adivi Sesh; the script is mine and it’s all finalized. The movie will go on the sets shortly. It is based on the philosophy of life; it’s like:
“Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
ke Pal Jo YehJaanewala Hai…”
What kind of movies do you personally prefer?
Any genre of movies - something that arrests me to watch a film.
How do you enjoy Holidays?
I love Countryside, especially in Andhra Pradesh. I switch off my phone and take time out for myself. Someday, I would love to visit Mansarovar and Himalayas.
It all started when I was studying 6th grade in school! I was asked to explain some fictional theory in a Science class and I ended up like some big bang theory which they actually could visualize!! And when my Telugu teacher used to teach stories in the class, I could remember them all without the help of any notes whatsoever.
My greatest inspiration and strength in writing is perhaps my parents – Adivi Kanakaraju and Subbaratnam, who had been great writers. Their influence is always on me.
I missed school sometimes to watch films with my mother. Those days, engineering ran in the blood of most of the people and my family was no exception. My Cousins were toppers. I had some kind of an insecure feeling within me, but I believed that some day, I am going to make it big!
The turning point, I guess, was during 1994-95 when I failed in my Intermediate exams – this hit me really hard. I wondered whether I could ever come out with flying colors from college. I continued my studies with greater perseverance than ever.
But simultaneously, I started writing stories. I had always been a good storyteller since childhood – I can still recall how I cooked up stories when I missed school and my parents believed the fake truth! Guess I had it in me to be a film maker since my childhood!
After watching movies like Rangeela (especially Aamir Khan’s character), Gulabi, Shiva, I decided to become a director.
My dad urged me to complete at least Graduation before taking my plunge into films making. Hence, I completed B Com and reached Hyderabad to fulfil my aspiration of life. This was in 2000. I had my future laid out in front of me and the steps were quite clear to me.
I had approached Ramgopal Varma, Nagesh Kukunoor and of course, Shekhar Kammula. That’s how I got involved with the hit movie Anand in 2003. I managed the end-end of film making then – preproduction, editing, promotion et al. I still can’t forget how I sold the movie tickets standing on the road for hours! It taught me so much.
Post Anand, I was involved in the making of yet another super successful movie, Happy Days. And then, Vinayakudu, which was a huge success. It topped the TRPs for quite a long time. It was on par with the other big budget movies of big stars then.
My next movie was Village lo Vinayakudu. I was the Producer, too. It was a commercially average movie but got very favorable reviews.
Then, I made Kerintha for Dil Raju in 2013 and it earned a whopping 9 crore share! It was a run-away success. The same year, I made Kiss, but unfortunately, it was a total wash-out. But, as I believe, it’s all in the game!
Kshanam, released in 2016, has been a big hit. I was involved in its editing and script. Our team is pretty satisfied with its success.
Which role do you enjoy the most as a Film maker – direction, production, writing, release and promotion of the film?
Writing and direction.
Did you think entering the film industry was a risk when you were struggling to get into it?
Well…Life is a journey. If we are happy with what we take up and pursue and of course enjoy it, it won’t be looked at as a risk. As I said earlier, it’s all in our mind. How we perceive it is important. If we consider it as joy, life, profession and passion, there can never be a negative connotation to words like risk and pain!
I love and enjoy doing films. That’s a choice I made in life.
Did you try your hand at Short Films?
Yes…in fact, before Anand took off, I made a documentary titled Gandhi for Mana TV in 2003. I produced it with my friends, Sunil and Prashanth. Anand Ravi (of Pratinidhi fame) was the Director of this documentary.
What was your greatest learning in these 16 plus years of filmdom?
Don't regret anything in life. Once you take up something and enjoy doing it, just do it!
The Awards that you have won…
I won the Nandi award for the Best Debutant Director for my movie, Vinayakudu. It won the 2nd Best Film in that category; Our movie, Kiss, won a few awards back in the USA.
Your Sun sign and how do you relate to it?
Leo; My Strong-willed and Determined nature comes from it!
How about your Family?
I am the only son to my parents. My Dad lives in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh; I lost my mother in 1998. I have a girl friend and we are going to tie the knot soon.
How do you juggle all elements of Film making?
I don't believe in just stories – the emotion and flavor that these stories carry is important - this becomes my Subject; I then try to get the USP for it. I think through the Creative and unique and interesting element that pulls the crowd to the theatres; after the completion of the shooting of the film, I edit and check everything - any issues that may crop up. Then, I ensure to adjust till the thought translates into the final product.
Post all this, I design the pattern of the promotion of the film; I know and love to promote a film - from the title onwards. Once everything is done well, I move onto a new film.
What’s your next movie as Director?
It is going to be with Adivi Sesh; the script is mine and it’s all finalized. The movie will go on the sets shortly. It is based on the philosophy of life; it’s like:
“Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
ke Pal Jo YehJaanewala Hai…”
What kind of movies do you personally prefer?
Any genre of movies - something that arrests me to watch a film.
How do you enjoy Holidays?
I love Countryside, especially in Andhra Pradesh. I switch off my phone and take time out for myself. Someday, I would love to visit Mansarovar and Himalayas.
What would you be doing during your leisure time?
I listen to the songs of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. I love to watch Old films – that were released prior to 2000. I like kids and hence, I enjoy the time I spend with the children of my girl friend’s sister!
Tell us about your favorite movies…
Shiva, Rangeela.
What’s your favorite movie that is directed by you?
Vinayakudu.
Any Charity Activities that you take part in?
I participate on and off in many charity activities; but. I love to and want to do something bigger – may be after a couple of years.
Your relationship with other young Directors in the industry...
I interact with only a few in the industry. I am quite comfortable with them and I love the time that I spend with them. I keep learning from everyone - how to use their expertise; what’s there in them that I can take a cue from.
Learning is lifelong and Knowledge without wisdom will never work. Isn’t it?
As I sign off, I love these words from Saikiran Adivi:
Life is eternal; it existed even before I did and it still exists, and it will even after me. Hence, we shouldn’t be greedy; we should design our mind according to our life and vice-versa.
Thank you for the wonderful and breezy conversation, Saikiran garu, and all the very best in all your future projects!
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