Still the 'King'! - Interview done in Jan, 2009

Let me introduce here Anand Ravi, the very young, versatile and original Film maker in the Telugu Film industry. He first worked as an assistant to Shekhar Kammula (guess no introduction required here!) before making his own debut with a film titled Parents. His next film was Pratinidhi, which gained very good reviews.

His latest yet-to-release film is Napoleon, the trailer of which has just come out.

Without any further ado, here are the excerpts from my tete-e-tete with this so family-oriented, well-spoken, down-to-earth, friendly filmmaker…

How did film making happen?

I didn’t know anything about film making in my early days. Most of my family members always related to their connects – politically, financially or otherwise. I always felt - why them? I wanted to have my own identity - not particularly related to anyone. But was wondering, “What do I do?”

I am from Srikakulam and a big fan of Chiranjeevi garu. But Hyderabad seemed a far-off place to make a livelihood.  But the thought of “Why not films?”always lingered on my mind. But which role to choose? - Cameraman, Director, Writer?

Moreover, Mom always used to tease me about me telling lies. A Lie is a new story! It’s all story telling. Hence, I started to enquire about films. An Actor is about acting, but as I do not have great looks, I ignored the idea. A Cameraman has to be a technically strong person and hence, I can’t be one. So, the best choice is to be a writer/ director and I went ahead with a 1.5 hrs film called Vijayam in 2001 in Srikakulam. I was not satisfied with this film at all.

This is when I decided to learn craft making – the entire procedure to start films. I assisted Shekhar Kammula during the making of his hit films “Godavari” and also “Happy Days”.  I also was the associate director with Anish Kuruvilla for his film “Ävakaya Biryani”; my individual film was Parents, which was a full-fledged film, but unfortunately, it did not get released as it ran into some issues, though it received a good appreciation as it had nice comedy. Anyway, it’s been a good lesson for me.

How about your popular film, Pratinidhi? Please tell us about it.

Pratinidhi is a film of social responsibility – demonetization. It was about 3 years ago. It greatly touched the audience. These mixed experiences help me in my profession. It improved my handling of the screenplay – I feel I have achieved at least 50% success through Pratinidhi.

I just saw the Teaser of your next film, Napoleon! I am keen to know more J

Napoleon…yes, the trailer is a motion poster. I am acting as a main lead (laughs). I am also producing and directing it. My friend, Mr. Gupta, a Diamond Merchant, has supported me morally and financially in this venture. With just 1.5 lakhs in my pockets, I started this movie! I am hopeful it will do well at the box office. It is a low budget movie, yet, with super quality. I don’t miss quality anytime while making a film. Watch out for Napoleon – it is a Murder mystery to be released in June – the post production is going on now. Just started with the publicity. Keeping my fingers crossed. J

Who is your greatest influence in your life?

I always believe in myself and my uniqueness. My greatest influencers are Maniratnam for his drama with subtleness and Puri Jagannadh for his attitude.

What is the Turning Point in life?

The turning point – I don’t know whether it is good or bad, but when I came to Hyderabad, I didn’t know anyone, was just roaming around. I totally enjoyed for 3 years, but learnt a lot. Experience with Shekhar Kammula for Godavari as an Assistant Director turned things around – financially and status-wise, too. Dil Raju appreciated my first film a lot and that motivated me. A big production house bought this film but unfortunately, it got shelved. My dreams were shattered but after a few days, I gathered myself. Marriage happened which was the biggest turning point. I could come out of things very easily. I started writing the script and story for Pratinidhi. There was a lot of criticism around the subject of this film – demonetization! Finally, Nara Rohit heard this and did it. Movie came out very well and got good reviews, too. It was remade in Tamil and was a hit there. In fact, Napoleon also has a Tamil version.

Which role do you enjoy the most as a Film maker – direction, production, writing, release and promotion of the film?

Direction. Imagination turns an idea into reality; writing goes hand in glove. I love to explore artistic subjects that convey my passion and hence, I enjoy what I do.


Did you try your hand at Short Films?

Yes, after Godavari, there was no creative inputs coming in for me. I was arranging everything for films. But, I wanted to try out something on my own. That’s how “Chicken Heart” happened. It is a short film - about 5 – 6 min. long. I made it in 2006.  I realized how difficult it is to get the appeal in such a short footage. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. You can find this on YouTube J

What was your greatest regret in these 16 plus years of filmdom? 

Leaving direction for Pratinidhi. One of my friends directed it due to some unforeseen circumstances. Also, there is a long delay sometimes in some projects. But, I don’t really regret it as I enjoy that time with my family. Family is more important and very precious to me!


Your Sun sign and how do you relate to it? 

Taurus – May 7; People get scared to deceive me; for any and every negative sarcasm or satire, I ensure to give a counter punch immediately!


How about your Family?

My parents live in Srikakulam. Father is a retired government professional and mom is a housewife. My wife had been a fashion designer and stylist – met her on the sets of the film Vinayakudu. Mine is an inter caste marriage in 2012; wife now is at home taking care and enjoying with our daughter, who is 2.5 years old.


What’s your next movie as Director?

There are 2 ideas in my mind for my next project, but all depends on the Napoleon film success and result! One is a fantasy movie and the other is based on a social concept.

What kind of movies do you personally prefer?

I don’t read books and watch films – as I get influenced a lot! J May be that’s why I get the originality in my concepts.


How do you enjoy Holidays?

Love them! We go on holiday twice a year – Summer is all about hill stations. I love to explore new cultures and new people – I still reminisce my visit to Punjab and Chandigarh.

What would you be doing during your leisure time?

I am a totally lazy person! 100% you will find me sleeping when I am not doing anything else J

Tell us about your favorite movies…

An Irani film – Children of Heaven – love the emotions in this movie.


What’s your favorite movie that is directed by you?

Parents, though, it could have been better; Pratinidhi is my all-time favorite movie.


Your relationship with other young Directors in the industry...

Absolutely cordial! Sai Kiran Adivi and I had been roommates until I got married. I try and stay in touch with all the young and upcoming directors, especially, Krishna Chaitanya and Sagar Chandra.

As I sign off, I love these words from Anand Ravi:

I love my own quotations!

Thank you for the wonderful and breezy conversation, Ravi garu, and all the very best for Napoleon and all your future projects! Happy Birthday, too J