Latest news with #Taxiwaala
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From the first draft to the final frame, my films are a reflection of my philosophy: Rahul Sankrityan
Rahul Sankrityan, transitioning from software engineer to director, fueled by a passion for storytelling and history, particularly from his Rayalaseema roots. A life-altering accident propelled him to pursue filmmaking full-time, overcoming initial skepticism to create films like Taxiwaala and Shyam Singha Roy. His upcoming historical drama with Vijay Deverakonda blends colonial-era settings with village cults, reflecting their growth as artists. From working as a software engineer at an IT company to sitting in the director's chair, Rahul Sankrityan 's journey has been marked by risk, resilience, and an unshakable love for storytelling. With films like The End, Taxiwaala and Shyam Singha Roy to his credit, Rahul sits down with Hyderabad Times to talk about his roots, the accident that changed his life, the challenges of breaking into cinema, and his upcoming historical drama with Vijay Deverakonda . 'I stayed close to cinema in every way I could' Hailing from Rayalaseema, with roots in Kurnool and Anantapur, Rahul's love for films and history is deeply tied to his hometown. 'I grew up watching films with my brother and was captivated by the fantasy cinema offered. My love for history comes from Rayalaseema, a region rich in culture and heritage,' he says. While working as a software engineer at an IT company in Hyderabad, Rahul stayed connected to films. 'I chose Hyderabad so I could be closer to the industry. At work, I started a film club called 24 Frames. We made short films, screened movies, and had endless discussions. It kept my dream alive, even when my break into the industry as a writer or Assistant Director didn't work out at first,' he recalls. 'My accident changed everything' In 2013, while rushing from work to a film shoot, Rahul met with a serious accident near Jubilee Hills Check Post. 'That moment changed everything. It was a revelation,' he says. Until then, the security of a corporate job kept him from taking the leap, but the incident shifted his perspective. 'Lying there with a broken leg, I realised we get only one life. I needed to pursue what truly mattered. That's when I resigned and committed to filmmaking full-time. ' opportunities and would love to do more. 'Producers often asked me, is this even a film?' Leaving his corporate career behind, Rahul quickly faced the realities of the film industry. 'Despite fully committing to filmmaking, many of my ideas were met with skepticism. Producers often asked me, 'Are you serious? Is this even a film? Who would watch a story like this?',' he recalls. Undeterred, he decided to back himself. 'I produced my first film, The End, with my own money because I believed in the story. I didn't want to wait for someone else to give me a chance,' he says. The gamble paid off. 'When it was well-received, it gave me the confidence that my instincts were right, and it opened the door for Taxiwaala. That was the turning point where I knew this is where I belong.' 'My next film with Vijay is based on real history' Rahul's second collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda after Taxiwaala is set in the Telugu regions under the Madras Presidency between the 1850s and 1870s. 'It's not mythological, but it has mystical elements and is rooted in real history —combining colonial-era settings with village cults. There's also a supernatural element, a signature in my films, but this one will surprise audiences. Both Vijay and I are in different, more responsible spaces now, and this story reflects that growth. ' he reveals. 'Travel shapes & inspires my storytelling' Travel has been a key source of creative inspiration for Rahul, influencing both his writing and his life philosophy. 'In Shyam Singha Roy, there's a line I love: you can do anything in one of two ways, either with love or with fear. I believe all negativity comes from fear, while positivity comes from love. It's our choice which path to take. These insights have come from my experiences travelling and seeing how people live differently. They make their way into my scripts, whether I'm exploring history, fantasy, or contemporary themes,' he says. - Divya Shree
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vishnu: I'm still half-baked at work
How did your journey in films begin? Honestly, I was never really into films. Even now, I feel like I'm still half-baked at work! I began as a photographer right after college. Some of my college friends from Hyderabad Public School were connected to Tharun Bhascker. One of his friends, who was also a photographer, needed an assistant and I jumped at the opportunity. Through Kishore, I met Tharun and started shooting with him. Pelli Choopulu came later, but before that, one of Tharun's friends made a short film Four Is A Mob, and Tharun saw me in it. He pitched me in Sainma, and that opened doors. But I knew I wasn't ready. I lacked confidence in acting and tried everything to avoid film sets. Funny thing, Tharun offered me a role in Pelli Choopulu as a photographer named Vishnu. It was practically written for me, but due to some delays, I couldn't do it. I was present throughout the film's making, though, and watching everyone else act, I felt a strange jealousy. Vijay Deverakonda, who I knew from college, told me I should've done it and pitched me Taxiwaala. I auditioned, got selected, and received some good feedback. But that set was nothing like Tharun's, it felt too mechanical. The project dragged for over a year, and I lost interest again. Then, a friend from Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi offered me Skylab with Nithya Menen. I shot one day, and COVID hit. Eventually, we resumed, and I was stuck at a director friend's place. We'd exchange ideas daily. Skylab didn't do well commercially, but working with Nithya ma'am taught me so much, her eye for detail, her professionalism. Then came MAD. Director Kalyan Shankar was excited and told me, 'We start shooting in three days.' I needed the work, so I said yes. They liked what I did on day 1. Around the same time, Tharun asked me to read a script. I suggested I do the role of Sikandar instead, he liked the idea, gave me audition material, and I worked hard. He approved it, and that's how Keedaa Cola happened. It all felt like Sainma again. MAD and Keedaa broke the shackles for me. They gave me the confidence I never had. Then MAD 2 came along, and we just wanted to make something funny. Looking back, I realise what Tharun sowed in me and during Sainma it really took root. That's a life lesson, I owe him a lot.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vijay Deverakonda says he could have avoided flop movies if he came from a strong film family: ‘Now, I will not go to shoot if…'
Once hailed as India's next biggest star, Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda's career is now a textbook example of how flying too close to the sun can scorch even the brightest stars. With not a single box office success in the past seven years, Deverakonda's 'image' is now like a shadow of his past self. However, the actor is currently eyeing a massive comeback with Kingdom, a film in which both he and his fans have placed high hopes. Recently, Deverakonda opened up about the setbacks he's faced over the years, maintaining that had he belonged to a film family with a strong foundation and guiding voices, some of his missteps might have been avoided. He also mentioned that he moved forward with certain projects despite lacking full conviction in their scripts, simply because he felt he didn't have the voice to demand refinement. Without explicitly using the word 'nepotism', he told The Hollywood Reporter India, 'I was never in a position to tell a director… I don't think people outside the industry will get this… but when you do not come from an 'establishment' of a sort and you do not have that support system, you do not have the space to tell the director that you are not ready to go to shoot yet with this script and that it needs more work.' Also Read | Jitendra Kumar reacts to kiss scene being removed from Panchayat: 'Kahani mein maza aana chahiye' He continued, 'Whereas another actor, with similar experience but has the support around him, would know from childhood itself that he doesn't have to go to shoot. Or his father will come and tell him, 'No, spend two-three more months. I'll get you two-three more writers.' I never had that space, until recently. Now, if I'm not happy with something, I talk to the producers and directors, and say that 'I will not shoot this because the producer's money, the director's career, and my face and the reputation I have built are all important.'' Earlier in his career, Deverakonda said he often went along with projects despite doubts, simply because a producer insisted or a director believed in the vision. But today, he's adopted a new approach. 'Now, I've decided that if we do it, we should all be solidly happy with it in the first place. So, that's something I've learned to do and found comfort in doing. I've found that place in life, the leverage and a sense of security to be able to have those conversations,' he added. ICYMI | Dipika Chikhlia says Arun Govil's casting as Dasharath in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana is 'out of context': 'If you played Ram…' Since the success of Taxiwaala (2018), Deverakonda hasn't had even a single hit and his subsequent films like Dear Comrade (2019), World Famous Lover (2020), Liger (2022), Kushi (2023) and The Family Star (2024) underperformed at the box office. The only success he tasted during this period was with the Prabhas-starrer Kalki 2898 AD (2024), in which he made a cameo appearance. Kingdom, helmed by Jersey director Gowtam Tinnanuri, will hit the screens on July 31.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay Deverakonda's 'Kingdom' may face another delay
Picture Credit: X Vijay Deverakonda 's upcoming pan-India film 'Kingdom' which is currently scheduled to release on July 4, 2025, but recent reports suggest the movie might be postponed again. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the film now seems to be releasing on July 25. The delay is reportedly due to some scenes being re-shot, although an official announcement is still awaited. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri , 'Kingdom' is touted as a spy action entertainer and is planned as the first part of a two-film series. 'Kingdom' was initially slated for release on March 28, 2025, but faced multiple postponements. It was first pushed to May 30, 2025, and then further delayed to July 4, 2025. The makers cited unforeseen national events and the prevailing atmosphere as reasons for the postponements, explaining that these factors made it difficult to proceed with promotions and celebrations. The film includes Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead and also features Satyadev and Koushik Mahata in key roles. The project was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title 'VD12', with the official title Kingdom revealed in February 2025. Principal photography began in June 2023, with shooting locations spanning Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kerala, and Sri Lanka. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Looking ahead, Vijay is also preparing for his next big project with director Rahul Sankrityan , known for Shyam Singha Roy. This untitled film, often referred to as 'VD14', is a period drama set during British colonial rule. This marks the second collaboration between Vijay and Rahul after their successful horror-comedy 'Taxiwaala.' There are strong rumors that Rashmika Mandanna might be the female lead. He is also set to work with director Ravi Kiran Kola on a romantic action drama tentatively named, 'SVC59'.
Pink Villa
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Vijay Deverakonda starrer Kingdom postponing its release to July 25? Here's what we know
Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, is slated to release on July 4, 2025. However, recent reports seem to indicate that the movie might be getting postponed once again. According to sources, the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial will now be hitting the big screens on July 25, 2025. The delay in the much-awaited movie is because of certain scenes being re-shot. However, an official confirmation is yet to be made. Talking about the film, Kingdom is touted to be a spy action entertainer and will be the first installment in a planned duology. The movie is said to have an ensemble cast of actors like Bhagyashri Borse, Satyadev, Koushik Mahata, and many more in key roles. With Anirudh Ravichander crafting the musical tracks and scores, it has Jallikattu fame Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John serving as the cinematographers. Moreover, Naveen Nooli has edited the movie. Earlier, the music director himself had dropped the first review of the actioner and said, 'I watched the film. It's very nice. Superb.' It is interesting to note that Kingdom was initially planned to release on May 30 this year, but was previously postponed, citing pending work. Recently, the Arjun Reddy actor made the headlines after his supposed girlfriend, Rashmika Mandanna, soft-launched him on Instagram. Sharing a post on social media, the actress dropped pictures of herself inside his home. Looking at Vijay's work front, the actor is next set to join hands with Shyam Singha Roy director Rahul Sankrityan for the tentatively titled VD14. The period venture is said to be taking place during the British colonial rule. The upcoming venture marks the second collaboration between Vijay and the director after the horror-comedy venture Taxiwaala. What makes the collaboration even more special is the fact that Rashmika Mandanna might be playing the female lead. While the casting hasn't been confirmed, this would mark the alleged lovers' reunion on the big screens after films like Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019).
