Cinematographer KV Guhan, who took a plunge into direction with Inidhu Inidhu in Tamil, has managed to deliver a hit with his Telugu directorial debut, 118.  

Starring Kalyan Ram, Nivetha Thomas and Shalini Pandey, the action-thriller is the sleeper hit of the season and is still running to packed houses across the Telugu States. About the reception, he says, "Before the release, I was nervous like a husband of a pregnant woman on her due date. But once the reviews started coming out, I was extremely happy like a father seeing his baby for the first time." 

 Asked about the starting point and inspiration for 118, the director reveals that he translated his own experiences into a fictional story. "It's my story...based on a mysterious nightmare. I have put my experiences on paper, added some fiction to this true story and wanted the audience to relive those moments. My mentor, PC Sreeram’s congratulatory messages have made my day.” 

The director says the real challenge was to keep the film true to his vision. “I wrote the script a few years ago but completed the film in 2019. Directing has been a different ball game. I have to answer to so many people and handle so many things at once. I have understood how difficult it is to direct a film.”  

Guhan’s projects as a cinematographer include acclaimed films like Athadu, Jalsa, Gaganam, Dookudu, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Baadshah. He says that he won’t be taking a break from cinematography and wants to pursue direction simultaneously. “I am not taking a break from anything. I’m working as a cinematographer in director Saran’s next film in Tamil. Presently, I have a few stories in mind, but I need a break before finalising my next film as a director.”