As a writer I believe a story can, and must, transcend genres, says Chidananda S Naik
I've always believed in genre-blending, and I think stories now demand that,' says the Kannada filmmaker who has been quietly carving out a space for himself. His folk tale adaptation, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know premiered at Cannes 2024, marking a significant moment in his career. It also recently won Best Script in the Non-Feature Film category at the 71st National Film Awards. Following Sunflowers, Chidananda is now working on his first feature-length film.
'It's the kind of film I've always wanted to make. That's why it's taking a little longer to shape. I want to go deep into it—not just technically, but emotionally. I'm still in the thick of writing and collaborating. But I'm fully immersed. Fully invested.' Even as he shapes the story, he remains wary of creative constraints. 'Marketing might want a label, but as a writer, I feel a story shouldn't be limited that way,' he says.
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'Recognition makes people sit up and pay attention'
Has recognition changed the way people respond to him? 'Recognition like this makes people take you more seriously. But more than anything, I think it shrinks time—the time it takes to put yourself out there.' The Mysuru-born director is taking it all in stride. 'With recognition comes more responsibility. Of course, expectations are higher too — but that's a good kind of pressure. Also, with recognition, the seriousness of your work begins to show.
Earlier, it was hard to even get meetings. Now, people listen. They're willing to collaborate. And more than that, they expect more from me. That's a sign of trust. I just hope I continue to deserve it,' he says.
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