The upcoming Anupama Parmeswaran-starrer Paradha might not be a conventional star vehicle, especially compared to blockbusters like Pushpa 2, Salaar and KGF. However, the journey for the makers has not been any less herculean, notes director Praveen Kandregula, adding, “The film has been in the making for nearly three years. After working on the script for about a year, we kept revisiting and modifying it. After a 4-day shoot in Manali, we had to take a break because Anupama fell sick. Then there was the Dharamsala schedule, apart from the big set built back here. It’s a big canvas. In terms of overall process, this is like Baahubali for us,” he says.
Talking about what makes Paradha stand apart, Praveen mentions the fictional culture created for the film. “The story is inspired by a particular incident that occured in the 1980s. It’s an entirely fictional universe, yet there is something universal about it. We are talking about how every culture has some form of ‘paradha’ (veil),” Praveen notes. The filmmaker acknowledges the recent phenomenon of demarcating films into theatrical and OTT, even by audience, adding, “We went to real locations and consciously avoided CGI, to give that grand theatrical experience to the audience. I know some people complained that my previous film Subham didn’t have a big scale, but Paradha is a grand film. After this film, I hope people are convinced that I can handle a big film.”
Throughout the interaction, Praveen talks about his film in context of its place in Indian cinema. He says, “Such films usually come in Bollywood, like Laapataa Ladies and Highway. Which is why I believe Paradha is a special film; it is rare for our industry.” At the same time, Praveen is clear that box office success for Paradha is more crucial for him, and for a particular reason. “If a film like Paradha brings in money, it will be a big relief for other filmmakers,” he notes. Praveen acknowledges Anupama’s efforts towards promoting the film, which is being released both in Telugu states and Kerala. “Anupama is carrying this film on her shoulder. Both Anupama and I are extremely self-critical, but we are confident about our film. Everyone said, ‘Just focus on promotions, the audience will carry the film forward’,” he recalls.
He also shares that he wants to direct a big commercial film in the near future. He says, “I grew up on mass cinema. I also want my films to have item songs and flying sumos. When Athadu re-released, I was there, dancing in the theatres. Not just commercial cinema, I want to tell all sort of stories.” For someone who has delivered two acclaimed films — Cinema Bandi and Subham, Praveen Kandregula sounds equally open to criticism as confident about his latest film. He recalls receiving similar faith from his producers during the making. Praveen elaborates, “We didn’t have a big star like Anushka Shetty, yet our producers went all in, with a ‘we-will-see-what-happens’ attitude — it’s because all of us believe in the content here. Paradha must reach beyond Telugu and Malayalam markets.”
In a rare and unique move, the makers of Paradha have the title ‘script doctor’ (for Krishna Prathyusha) in their credits list. Praveen Kandregula speaks about the importance of maintaining objectivity with one’s work. He explains, “Just like we go to a doctor when we are unwell, every script needs a doctor. Generally, as filmmakers, we are too attached to our stories, so we don’t listen to anyone’s feedback, but they are essential for every film. For Paradha, Krishna sat and pointed errors, told us what’s working and what’s not.”
The director also recalls how they held test screenings for Paradha, seeking audience’s feedback before they locked the film’s edit. “No matter what we say, audience is king. There was a lot of analysis after test screenings and we brought the film’s runtime to 2 hours 20 minutes. It’s important to analyse our films as an outsider. The final edit of Paradha is audience’s edit,” he concludes.