‘Save The Tigers is a clean comedy’

Teja Kakumanu has had an interesting and checkered trajectory in the world of films. The student leader-turned-actor has a Masters in Performing Arts, and a MPhil in Theatre from the University of Hyderabad, following which he has worked as an acting instructor for film actors. Teja has also worked as a co-director even while acting in small-but-significant roles in Baahubali: The Beginning, Bheemla Nayak, and last year’s Mukhachitram. The multi-hyphenate will be making his directorial debut in the Disney + Hotstar Telugu original series, Save The Tigers (STT), a tongue-in-cheek comedy series about the plight of henpecked husbands. Save The Tigers is available for streaming from April 27 onwards. 

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The title of your series, while catchy, is a far cry from the subject matter you have chosen to deal with... 

STT is a satire on marriages and the war of genders. We wanted to talk about how real men, much like tigers, are going extinct because of how they are constantly subjected to the whims and diktats of their wives. So, it is a call for action, packaged in jest. Men and women are so different from each other. This is a universal story with lots of observational comedy. It is the story of every household. We have also tried to highlight the perspective of women in our series. STT is a clean comedy with little profanity and absolutely no vulgarity. You can watch the series with your entire family.

How did you get the opportunity to direct STT?

Post my MPhil, I started conducting acting workshops where I met Pradeep Advaitham. He asked me to come work on the sets, in the direction department. I found it to be an exciting learning opportunity. My experience as a student leader came in handy during shoots because I am very good at managing crowds. I soon became known for my efficiency. Years later, Pradeep and I joined hands again, to work on Save The Tigers. The idea of STT, though initially mine, was developed into a screenplay by Pradeep. He asked me to direct the series because he was busy shooting a film. That is how I ended up making my directorial debut. 

You mentioned earlier about working as an acting instructor. What is it like to train actors? 

Acting is handling and balancing emotions. As an acting instructor, I ask people to dig deep into their bank of emotions. You cannot teach acting. You can only help them unlock their potential and get over their fears and inhibitions. Also, I trained actors for films where they have the luxury of extensive preparations and method acting. I tell my actors that they should be like a blank canvas, and always ready to meet the director’s vision. 

How important is it to assist someone before turning a director?

Working in the direction department can be particularly beneficial for actors who wish to hone their craft. As for directors, there are many newcomers, who have never worked as ADs or co-directors, and they just enter the sets without enough knowledge on various aspects of filmmaking, including managing sets. That is a reason why many films overshoot their budget. These directors do not know how to make cost-efficient decisions. An on-set experience is essential. I don't believe in shooting something from various angles, and finally directing the film on the edit table. That is such a waste of money. These people are able to survive because it is the digital age. There is no way these people would have been filmmakers when things were shot on film. I respect producers. I am a producer’s director. If a producer invests 50 rupees, I should be able to give 100 rupees worth of output as a director.

What are the key differences you have seen while working in OTT and cinema?

Honestly, there is no difference in terms of making. One big difference is that, unlike films, in OTT, your rushes are checked every day. It feels like you are sitting for an exam every single day. People think their life is easy once an OTT shoot is approved, but there are a lot of executives you are answerable to.

What's next in store? 

I am acting in Trivikram Srinivas' SSMB28 where I am playing the role of Sreeleela’s brother. I have also worked in his writing in Bheemla Nayak. He gives me a lot of love and appreciation, and I am motivated to bring out my best because of his positive demeanour.