Filmmaker Ayodhya Kumar Krishnam Shetty received several awards for his first ever feature film 'Minugurulu'. The film has been well received by critics, audiences and at several film festivals over the world. Ayodhya Kumar selected a subject related to blind children in Andhra Pradesh and developed a story based on their issues in the society. He has showcased the problems faced by them in a realistic manner and touched hearts of the audiences. Featuring 40 blind children along with Aashish Vidhyarthi, Suhasini Maniratnam, Deepak and few others artists, 'Minigurulu' written, directed and produced by Ayodhya Kumar Krishnam Shetty was recently released in theaters by Dasari Narayana Rao under Siri Media banner. On this occasion the brilliant filmmaker talks to us (Media) about what inspired him to create his masterful storytelling about the suffering of blind children in the society.
When did you first realize that filmmaking was something that you wanted to pursue?
When I was in 10th class, I was pretty serious that I wanted to be a director. It was around that time I was trying to decide pursuing theater. After completing Masters in Marine Science in Andhra University, I worked for a software company in the US for about two years. After that, I went and joined a film making course at Portland North West film center. Later I did few short films. I even worked at OPB for some time and later shifted to Hyderabad where I started writing scripts. Initially I wrote few love stories. But honestly I wanted my first film to be for the social
So how did you get the project started?
Well, I got the idea of doing this film when I was in the US. So I used the opportunity to do some research on blind people at Perkins School of Blinds. Later I did lot of research in 15 blind schools across Andhra Pradesh and developed the script. During the process I selected 40 active blind children and trained them accordingly. In my research, while I found USA blind schools with high infra-structure, I was really saddened to see lack of basic facilities in several hostels of blind institutions in our state. Whatever I showcased in my film is real.
Your film seems to be gaining lot of awards.
We have applied 'Minugurulu' for more than 40 awards and it got nominated for seven. It received the Best Indian Film award in 9th International Children's Film Festival in Benguluru. Similarly our film won another award in the same category in Ability International Film Festival held in Chennai. Apart from that it was also screened in 18th International Film Festival held last November. Now we are competing for the Nandi Award with 'Eega'. Fingers crossed!
Was your aim with the film for winning awards?
'Minugurulu' is a commercial film. International technicians have worked for it. I want people to connect with it, respond and react.
It's said that good films are confined to awards only. What is your comment on that?
I can say that it's a preconceived thought. 'Tare Zameen Par' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' are the best examples to say that they are not confined to awards only. Similarly my film 'Minugurulu' is also not confined to awards only.
How is the response for the film?
It really made me very happy when industry seniors like Chiranjeevi garu watched my film and appreciated saying that the film touched their heart. Dasari Narayana Rao garu took the initiative and released the film. That has given more hype to it. The DTH release further helped the film to connect with the audience. Our film proved that there are audiences who still prefer to watch films from this genre.
What are your upcoming projects?
I've some really good love stories. So I'm planning a perfect commercial film next. I also have plans to do films on my home banner. I'll will definitely do social movies like 'Minugurulu' in the near future.
