Actor Vishal is a familiar name to Telugu audiences after his film Pandem Kodi became a huge success here. Since then, most of his films have been releasing in Telugu as well. Now, the actor is making his directorial debut with his upcoming film Makutam. Super Good Films is producing the film with the late RB Choudhary as the presenter, while B Suresh, RB Jeevan Choudary, Jithan Ramesh and Jiiva are the producers. The second single from the film, 'Nachaaka Vachera,' was unveiled recently in Hyderabad.
Speaking at the event, Vishal said that he has attended many film events earlier as an actor, producer and chief guest, but this is the first time he is speaking as a director. “It’s my dream to become a director and after 35 years, my dream is finally becoming a reality. When I first watched Ram Gopal Varma’s Shiva, which was released in Tamil as Udayam, I decided that I wanted to become a director, and today it has become a reality,” said Vishal.
Vishal also made his singing debut with the song 'Rise of Linga' from the film and revealed how it happened. “The boy who sang the Tamil version could not come as he was busy with his sister’s wedding. There was no time, so I took the headphones and started singing. Actually, it is a rap song, so I didn’t really sing, I just spoke the lyrics,” said Vishal. He added that the song becoming a hit is a big advantage for him as a director. Vishal also revealed that he had done ghost direction for a few films but does not want to reveal their names.
Talking about taking up the director’s role for Makutam, Vishal said, “I was not supposed to direct this film, but due to some uncertainty, I had to step in and take the responsibility. I accepted this challenge because of Super Good Films and RB Choudhary garu.”
He added that the film started with a complete revamp. “RB Choudhary garu introduced 44 new directors through Super Good Films, and I am the 45th director. That is destiny because my directorial debut happened under his banner,” said Vishal. He also thanked Jithan Ramesh and Thirupur Subramanyam for their support. Makutam marks the 99th film from the Super Good Films banner.
Vishal also thanked his fiancée Sai Dhanshika for supporting him during the film’s making. “It’s almost a year since we got engaged this August. We are together as a couple and it feels like one soul in two bodies. With this direction, I had a huge responsibility, so I kept my personal life aside, but she supported me,” said Vishal.
The actor also revealed that he takes inspiration from all the directors he worked with. “I have a habit of copying all my directors, especially Bala sir. He usually rolls the camera even when we casually talk before a scene, and he captures those moments in the film. I followed the same thing. Without informing the artistes, I rolled the camera and captured many moments. I even captured Anjali’s moments without her knowledge. A lot of actors’ natural moments were recorded that way,” revealed Vishal.
Speaking about the current situation in the film industry, Vishal said, “The South Indian film industry is struggling now. The reality is that audiences are not coming to theatres like before. After COVID, if 12 films release, only six or seven films get watched, and that too mostly during special occasions and festivals. Around 25 per cent of audiences moved towards OTT. In this situation, I have to prove myself as a director. I have done 35 films, and I tried to give my best with Makutam.”
Vishal also thanked actor Arjun Sarja for changing his career path. “I thank Arjun sir because I worked as an assistant director with him and he changed my journey towards acting. Then my father GK Reddy garu, who released Pandem Kodi in Telugu, played an important role in my career,” recalled Vishal.
He also remembered the viral mike-shivering incident during the promotions of Madha Gaja Raja nearly one-and-a-half years ago. “The video became viral because I was suffering from viral fever. Today, I am truly thankful to God for everything,” said Vishal.