Gopichand Malineni: I was hell-bent on releasing Krack in the theatres

Last week, the trade circles of Telugu cinema and fans of Ravi Teja were shocked when Krack, the first major release of this Sankranthi, did not hit the screens as per the schedule. The film missed noon, matinee and first shows in over 1000 theatres across the world as its producer Tagore Madhu ran into trouble after a few financiers took a legal route demanding that their dues be cleared.

While such delays have become common in the film industry, Gopichand Malineni, the director of Krack panicked over the development. "I came to know about the financial tussle the night before our film's release. I thought the issue would be resolved by morning. But, that didn't happen. As expected, fans of Ravi Teja garu thronged the theatres the next day, but the shows were cancelled. It felt like hell and I pray that no other director goes through such testing times," says Gopichand Malineni, who is now basking in the success of Krack.

The six-film-old director asserts that he had received strong support from the film fraternity. "Directors Trivikram Srinivas, VV Vinayak, Vamshi Paidipally, actors Manchu Manoj, Sai Tej, producers NV Prasad and Naga Vamsi, among others, talked on the phone and gave me moral support," recalls the Balupu director.

Besides the release hiccup, Gopichand had to earlier endure the pressure to release Krack directly on OTT platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown. "Several OTT players approached us with profitable offers for a direct digital release. But, I didn't stumble and believed in myself. We made Krack for theatrical viewing and I felt that it was the best way for the audience to enjoy it. I kept telling everyone that Krack would be released only in theatres. I am relieved now on seeing the response to our film in the theatres," he explains.

"The success of Krack has increased my responsibility as a director. My joy has doubled over the last few days," says Malineni, adding, "I was short of words when Chiranjeevi garu was all praise for our film. Interacting with him is always an education. I am overwhelmed by his gesture and his appreciation has certainly boosted my confidence."

Krack also marked the acting debut of Malineni's son Satvik. "His performance has been drawing good attention. It was also very comfortable to work with him. He is now asking me to take him on a vacation," laughs the director.

Malineni is inclined towards breaking the stereotypes of villains in commercial entertainers. "I always try to redefine the concept of villains in entertainers. It's a cliche for a villain to kill a family member of the protagonist. Taking this into consideration, I gave the narrative a different spin without losing the fun in the narrative. And true to my belief, the action sequences involving Shruti Haasan gave wonderful mileage to the project and also evoked hearty laughs in cinemas," shares the director.

At the moment Malineni is focused on his next film. "I am collaborating with Mythri Movie Makers for a new project. The announcement will be made soon. I was also offered the Hindi remake of Krack. I will take it up if the casting and other things fall in place," signs off Gopichand Malineni.