Director Chandra Siddhartha, known for his distinctive and sensitive storytelling in films such as Aa Naluguru, Madhumasam, Andari Bandhuvaya, Idhi Sangathi and Aatagadara Siva, is back after a sabbatical with Ee Paata Korinavaru...Nemalipalem Nundi Rama, Jyotsna, Nandu, Murali, Kabir, Dhol Ravi Modalaguvaru, which is set to hit theatres on September 18. “Due to personal reasons and health issues, I couldn’t think about cinema. Generally, I have to approach someone to make a film, which I couldn’t do in my career, and that was another reason. Though I have friends who can invest crores of money if I ask them, I don’t do that. With all the above reasons, I decided to take a break,” says Chandra Siddhartha, adding, “I wanted to do an experiment, so I came back with a musical thriller starring newcomers."
He added that the story is based on the late filmmaker and writer Madan. “He gave me the story many years ago and asked me to direct it, but I kept it with me all these years. Now, I made a few changes and turned it into Ee Paata Korinavaru…. Actually, the title was also suggested by Madan,” reveals Chandra Siddhartha. Madan provided the story and dialogues for Aa Naluguru, which was directed by Chandra Siddhartha, and went on to receive several awards.
He added that every film needs something or the other to get into the news, which is why he went with the long title. “Audience will be curious about it, and it will also rekindle nostalgia for people who regularly listen to the radio. At that time, AIR used to play songs based on listeners’ requests, and they would announce the names and places of those people,” shares Chandra Siddhartha, adding that the film is a musical thriller. “Every night at 10.30, the same people request a particular song, which the protagonist listens to, and he gets triggered by that particular song. He goes to the radio station and checks whether those people are fake or real. But the announcer shows him the postcards, which makes him feel that they are real. Then, he wants to go to Nemalipalem village and find out why those people are sending postcards every day requesting only that particular song,” explains Chandra Siddhartha.
With a sound therapist as his protagonist, Chandra Siddhartha is taking on a new premise. “The film deals with how songs and music impact the mind and how music is generally used for therapy. The story revolves around these aspects and blends them with neuroscience. I experimented with all these elements in this film,” says the filmmaker, who has kept the runtime to under two hours.
Chandra Siddhartha is coming up with this film after a long gap of nearly seven years. Has he observed any changes in the industry? “There are a lot of changes, and it’s not comfortable for small producers to make films. Remunerations are very high, OTT platforms are ruling, and the censor board has completely changed its rules. It’s not just one thing; there has been a big jump in terms of gradual changes, which I came to know while making this film,” says Chandra Siddhartha, who asserts that he is someone who knows to keep the budget in check. “I have my own style of filmmaking. I know how to spend sensibly on a film, and I never do lavish or unnecessary spending."
Technology has also improved a lot over the years, and the filmmaker has kept tabs on the evolution of the medium. "During this break, I updated myself with the latest technology,” says the filmmaker, who admits that AI is going to play a major role in filmmaking in the coming days. “But makers should use this technology very sensibly because human emotions are very important and should be controlled by the director. AI can’t give you emotions or judgement. That has to come from the story writer and the director. The ultimate boss is the director, and you can’t completely depend on AI or other latest technology. You have to be in control of it,” says the filmmaker. He has also been keeping tabs on the various trends on OTT platforms and in theatres. “There is no particular trend. If one fantasy film becomes a hit, many films follow the same genre. Then it is action and horror, and now family entertainers. So, ultimately, it is all about good content.”
Talking about his latest film Ee Paata Korinavaru…, he says that he experimented with the film. “Don’t watch it with expectations from my previous films, as I made this film as an experiment to understand the audience’s pulse. If you don’t like it, please accept my apology,” signs off the director.