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The Hindu
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sekhar Kammula interview: Nagarjuna and Dhanush stepped into ‘Kuberaa' with complete trust
It has been a race to the finish for director Sekhar Kammula and his team as they wrap post-production on Kuberaa, set to release on June 20. When we meet him at the Asian Cinemas production house in Hyderabad, Sekhar appears relieved but visibly worn out. The film, starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh, is his most ambitious yet, with a budget exceeding ₹100 crore. Kuberaa also marks a personal milestone — 25 years since Sekhar's debut with Dollar Dreams (2000), which won the National Award for Best First Film of a Director. When asked what he believes has kept him relevant all these years, he smiles: 'I'm just happy that I am. It's easy for a writer-director to get carried away. I stay connected with people and don't treat cinema only as business. It's an art form rooted in social awareness and sensitivity. I must also credit my direction team and co-writer Chaitanya Pingali, who help keep me grounded.' Sekhar has always placed the story above the director, and says Kuberaa marks a deliberate departure from his usual romantic and family dramas. 'It's not a departure from who I am or my filmmaking style, just the canvas and story are larger,' he says. The film, he explains, is a socio-political thriller where a billionaire capitalist (Jim Sarbh) and a beggar (Dhanush) are brought into conflict through a middle-class man (Nagarjuna). 'It's a story about how survival instincts and selfish motives clash across three economic strata.' The film begins as a thriller before delving into the emotional arcs of its characters. 'The challenge was to make the emotional undercurrent as compelling as the thriller narrative. This kind of conflict is rare in Indian cinema,' says Sekhar. 'I'm proud of the film, but also a bit anxious, it could go either way. I just hope it makes audiences go 'wow'.' Fifteen years after his political drama Leader, Kuberaa draws once again from Sekhar's observations of society. 'I can't pinpoint exactly when this story began, but it evolved as we explored the characters,' he says. He recalls that even his previous film, Love Story, which tackled caste and childhood trauma, went through several drafts. Kuberaa too was complex to write, balancing multiple narratives. He credits co-writer Chaitanya Pingali with bringing in deeper empathy for the marginalised: 'Our belief systems are what distinguish us as writers. People call me empathetic, but she is more so, especially towards the oppressed. That comes through in the film.' Sekhar's storytelling is firmly rooted in the real world. Unlike many of his peers, he never moved to the industry hub of Film Nagar, choosing instead to remain in Secunderabad. His instincts were shaped by his time at Howard University, USA, where a professor once advised him to look to life, not just films, for inspiration. 'I didn't plan it this way, it's just how I am,' he reflects. In a climate dominated by high-octane action entertainers, Sekhar remains steadfast in his preference for realism. 'I enjoy watching those films. But when I tell stories, I want them to stay grounded. I don't follow trends. For me, the creative struggle to build something original is exhilarating.' Kuberaa is also his first time working with big stars, and he praises their collaborative spirit. 'Nag came in saying, 'I trust you, and I'll listen to you'. Dhanush was equally receptive. They brought the depth their characters needed.' Rashmika Mandanna impressed him with her expressive performance: 'She speaks through her eyes, is chirpy, and can hold her own in commercial cinema.' He also marvelled at Jim Sarbh's command of Telugu: 'He aced his lines. That takes real effort.' Production designer Thota Tharani, who worked with Sekhar's on Leader, returned for Kuberaa despite the director's initial hesitation to approach him due to age. 'When I need scale, he's my first choice. We shot guerilla-style in real locations and built sets in Mumbai. In some scenes, you can't tell the difference on screen.' Cinematographer Niketh Bommi was brought on board as Sekhar's longtime collaborator Vijay C Kumar was unwell. 'Niketh brought a young, dynamic energy. We vibed well.' Composer Devi Sri Prasad wasn't part of the original plan. 'Initially we needed just a score and one song. But DSP gave us catchy, commercially viable music as the scope evolved.' At 182 minutes, the film's runtime has raised eyebrows. But Sekhar is unfazed. 'This length was essential to tell such a layered story. I can't cut it down — it's all interlinked.' Looking back, one of his earliest films, Anand, was also a three-hour film. As we wrap up, he offers a final thought: 'We've been sincere in making something meaningful. I just hope people connect with it.'
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Police notice to ‘Kannappa' producers over film hard disc theft plaint
1 2 Hyderabad: Following a complaint of theft of a hard disc of the upcoming big-budget movie 'Kannappa', the police have issued a notice to executive producer (complainant) of the production company to appear before the investigating officer (IO) within two days with evidence. Kannappa is a multi-starrer, multi-lingual film produced by Mohan Babu and has some of the biggest names in the industry such as Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajol and Prabhas. On Sunday, Reddy Vijay Kumar, executive producer of city-based production company 24 Frames Factory Pvt Ltd, had lodged a complaint with Film Nagar police alleging that two persons, Raghu and Charitha, had illegally obtained the hard disc containing footage and VFX data of 'Kannappa'. The incident happened on March 25 when a Mumbai-based associate, Hive Studios, sent the hard drive to the Film Nagar office, he said. "According to courier company records, the hard disc was received by Raghu who handed it over to Charitha without any authorisation. Despite repeated attempts to contact her, she remained evasive and unresponsive. This unauthorised possession presents a serious threat to our project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Any leak could lead to significant financial loss and irreparable damage to our company," Vijay Kumar said in his complaint. With the company in their statement alleging a "plan to leak over 90 minutes of unreleased footage online to derail the release of Kannappa", investigators are also looking into whether the feud within the Manchu family played any role in the breach. After the news about theft broke in the media on Tuesday, 'Kannappa' lead actor Manchu Vishnu, who is also the MD of 24 Frames, posted a message on X which soon went viral: "Jatajoothadhari, neekosam tapassu chese naakenduku ee pareeksha swamy (Lord Shiva, why should I, who am doing penance for you, be put to this test?)." Film Nagar inspector S Santhosham said, "We have issued a notice to the complainant on Wednesday asking him to appear before the IO. Based on the evidence and the statement, we will proceed further with the investigation." A case has been registered under Section 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) of the BNS against Raghu and Charitha.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Shock jolt for ‘Kannappa' team as crucial hard drive goes missing!
Manchu Vishnu's much-anticipated mythological epic Kannappa has hit a major roadblock. As the film gears up for release, a shocking incident has thrown the team into crisis mode — a crucial hard drive containing significant scenes from the film has reportedly been stolen. According to sources, the hard drive, which was sent by the Mumbai-based VFX team, was allegedly taken by an office boy working on the film. He is said to have handed it over to a woman named Charitha, who has since gone missing. The theft has prompted the team to file a formal police complaint with Film Nagar police, and an investigation is now underway. This isn't the first setback for Kannappa. Earlier, Prabhas' look from the film was leaked online, reportedly by someone from the crew. That individual was promptly removed from the team. The stolen hard drive reportedly contains several key sequences, making this a serious breach. Despite these hurdles, Vishnu remains steadfast. Having invested years into the film, he is currently immersed in post-production and promotions. His recent public appearances and media interactions underscore his commitment to the project. With Kannappa slated for release next month, Vishnu is pinning all his hopes on the film's success. He remains optimistic about its reception and is confident that the audience will embrace the mythological spectacle, even as the team navigates this latest challenge.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Case filed against 2 in Hyderabad for stealing VFX data of movie 'Kannappa'
HYDERABAD: Film Nagar police registered a criminal case against two persons for illegal possession of a hard drive containing data related to their upcoming big-budget movie, Kannappa. On Sunday, Reddy Vijay Kumar, Executive Producer of Twenty-Four Frames Factory Pvt Ltd, a city-based content development company, lodged a complaint alleging that a hard drive containing crucial VFX data for the film was misappropriated after being delivered to their Film Nagar office. The incident came to light recently when the Twenty-Four Frames Factory Pvt Ltd staff contacted their Mumbai-based VFX vendor, HIVE Studios, enquiring about the hard disc they were supposed to send with VFX data. HIVE Studios informed their clients that the hard disc was delivered on March 25 at the Twenty-Four Frames Factory Pvt Ltd through DTDC courier. Kranti, an employee of Twenty-Four Frames Factory Pvt Ltd, who was authorised to receive the hard disc, contacted the courier agency and obtained the details of the person who received the parcel. "As per the courier company records, the hard disc was delivered to our office by Raghu. Upon verification, we found out that Raghu handed over the hard disc to one, Charitha. She took the disc without authorisation and intimation to the company," the complainant alleged. Despite multiple attempts from the complainant and his team members to contact her, Charitha remained unresponsive and evasive, raising concerns about potential malicious intent. "This unauthorised possession poses a significant risk to our project. The hard drive contains unreleased and confidential data related to our high-budget film project, Kannappa. Any compromise could result in substantial financial and reputational damage to our company," stated Vijay Kumar in his complaint. Based on his complaint, a case was registered against Raghu and Charitha under section 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) of BNS on Sunday by Film Nagar police. Kannappa is an upcoming Indian multi-lingual film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. The movie is based on the legend of the Hindu god, Shiva's devotee Kannappa. The film stars Mohan Babu's son, Vishnu Manchu, in the titular role. Vishnu Manchu is also the Managing Director of Twenty-Four Frames Factory Pvt Ltd.
