There’s another new director in the block. It is Subash Chandra with his upcoming film Godari Gattupaina. The film stars Sumanth Prabhas and Nidhi Pradeep in the lead roles, along with Jagapathi Babu. Hailing from Relangi in Andhra Pradesh, Subash has directed nearly 100 short films.
“I was drawn to films after I watched Jurassic Park, my first film-viewing experience,” Subash said as he reveals how the medium has fascinated him. After directing around 80 short films, Subash joined the LV Prasad Film Institute in Chennai to formally study filmmaking. Interestingly, he collaborated on nearly 40 short films with actor Raj Tarun, who later became a lead actor in Uyyala Jampala. He started his first short film in 2008.
On preparing Sumanth, known for his Telangana-heavy dialect, to play a Godavari native, Subash says he had to conduct extensive rehearsals. “He accompanied us for the location recce, and it helped him pick up the dialect on the go. We held multiple workshops and even brought in a dialect coach. He was a great help,” he explains.
The going was not easy for Subash in the industry. Opportunities not coming one’s way are hard. Subash went through another kind of difficulty: Making films that either do not progress or get stuck in production hell. “It took me a long time. One of my films completed pre-production but did not proceed further. Another film was completed, but it is in a post-production limbo. It was produced by NRIs and shot across 48 locations in India — it’s an urban love story in the space of Jab We Met,” shares a relieved Subash, whose Godari Gattupaina will see the light of day on May 8.
Recalling how Sumanth Prabhas came on board, Subash says, “I narrated the story for nearly four hours. He liked it but wanted some time. I waited, assuming he might not do it. But just as I was leaving, he came back and said he wanted to be part of the film,” he shares.
Talking about Jagapathi Babu’s character, Subash reveals it was inspired by one of his family members. “My late uncle is the inspiration for that role. He was mischievous in his younger days, but after having a daughter, he changed completely. His love and affection for his daughter inspired the character. We even used his real bike in the film,” Subash says, adding that he found Nidhi Pradeep through his friend and filmmaker Siddharth, who made Paruvu. “Siddharth forwarded Nidhi’s profile, and I instantly liked her after a short audition.” Additionally, actor Laila is also making her comeback in Telugu with this film. “I’ve liked her since childhood after watching Egire Pavurama. While going through Jagapathi Babu sir’s filmography, I noticed he hadn’t worked with Laila. So, I chose her for this role. Though it’s not a lengthy part, it’s a powerful one,” he elaborates.
Subash emphasised that the strength of the film lies in its script. “All the actors agreed to be part of the film because of the script. They made me feel comfortable,” he says, adding that the film does not have a new story but a new treatment. “The treatment is different and relatable. Audiences will connect with the characters because they are inspired by real people.”
The film also introduces music director Naga Vamsi. “We’ve known each other for nearly 12 years and worked together on many short films. We wanted a retro song and approached Chitra and SP Charan for it,” he says, clarifying that Godari Gattupaina will not be an extension of his shorts. “I wrote Godari Gattupaina in 2023 specifically for the big screen. It’s not based on any of my earlier short films. Even the title was suggested by my producer,” he says, praising its maker, Abhinav. “He is very professional and never interfered during the shoot. He simply asked me to deliver a good film.”
Speaking about his inspiration, Steven Spielberg, and the lasting impact Jurassic Park had on him, he says that this iconic creature feature made him watch Hollywood films and eventually made him passionate about cinema. “After watching Jurassic Park and seeing dinosaurs onscreen, I was fascinated. I started watching English films on HBO and Star Movies, and that’s how my passion for cinema grew.”
Concluding with an update about his yet-to-release film, Subash says he has already committed to his next film with the same producer. Speaking about his earlier stalled project, he says, “The NRI producers are still interested in releasing it. Once post-production is completed, it will definitely come out, though it may take some time,” he signs off.