Writer-director Venky Atluri recently appeared on a podcast and talked about the many challenges that young and aspiring filmmakers face in the industry. He also shared how he went through similar difficulties and the way he came out triumphant.
“The nastiest thing that aspiring filmmakers face is erratic feedback. Maybe the ones who are one the other side, they might lack straight forwardness or honesty, they tend to confuse you. One day, they’ll say this is a great story, let’s do this. Suddenly, the following day something happens and they go back on their word. They’ll start saying - you know what, this is not feeling right or just go and rewrite this portion and come back. My question is; how come yesterday the story was good and today, it’s not? That hurts your confidence. At that moment, you feel worthless. You start self-doubting yourself gravely and you think you are not good enough. That is traumatising for a young filmmaker. It’s demoralising.” he remarked on the problem.
He further added, “Luckily for me, I could counter that because I had good friends and a support system. I took my time and understood that it’s their helplessness and they try to drag you down because of that. It is not your problem as a writer. Another good thing is that the hero was with me. Varun Tej stood by me as a 6 foot 4 inches rock for my first film. When the hero is with you, tables turn.”
Venky Atluri made his debut with the Varun Tej-starrer Tholi Prema (2018), which was a hit at the box office. His upcoming film, Lucky Baskhar, starring Dulquer Salmaan, is billed as a financial scam thriller and will be released on October 31.