'Varudu Kaavalenu' will be released in theatres on October 29. In this interview, debutant director Lakshmi Sowjanya talks about how the offer came her way, working with Naga Shaurya and Ritu Varma, her future plans and more.
I was born in Kurnool district and grew up in Guntur district. I completed SSC when I was 11. I also got featured in a newspaper for that achievement. I was also fond of sports and therefore my father, who was a Maths teacher, wanted me to choose sports. But my interest would lie in cinema. I was not inclined to get married either. I was 18 when I migrated to Hyderabad. I eventually went on to work with Teja garu, Sekhar Kammula garu, Krishna Vamsi garu and Manjula Ghattamaneni garu, in that order. I also worked under Prakash Kovelamudi and on the movie 'Vedam'. I was an assistant director for several years. I had to take a break from movies due to personal reasons. It has been a 15-year-long journey in the film industry.
My directorial style is not influenced by any single director. I always want my signature and perspective. The directors under whom I have worked are all male. As a woman, my perspective differs. I have my own style of presenting the male actors. I personally admire Arvind Swamy, the actor.
I feel lucky that I got to do a film for Sithara Entertainments, especially being a female filmmaker. Ritu Varma has played a woman with a lot of self-respect. When such a character has to be shown falling in love with a man, he should be someone with the best qualities. Naga Shaurya fits the bill completely and that's why I was very intent on working with only him.
While there have been many films revolving around match-making and marriage, the characterizations and screenplay of 'Varudu Kaavalenu' are unique. The nature of love changes with the age of people who are in love.
Ritu Varma is a woman entrepreneur who is running an eco-friendly enterprise. Her name is Bhumi and she has immense patience. She never hurts somebody and doesn't behave irresponsibly.
Naga Shaurya's name in the movie is Akash, who as the name suggests is broad-minded. He is an architect by profession. He designs his life beautifully, much like how he does to things in his profession.
Every field and phase of life has got its share of struggles. I love filmmaking and writing and so, I enjoyed the process of making this film a lot. I write characterizations on the basis of my observations in real life. Some of their traits are drawn from people I know. Family entertainers are universally appealing. Family emotions can attract all sections of audience.
'Varudu Kaavalenu' will connect with women for sure. There are twists and turns in our lives. Enough of them, in fact. A film doesn't necessarily have to infuse twists in the story. My film is a pleasant one that can be enjoyed. There is neat fun, emotions and everything that you expect from a good film.
Producer China Babu garu (Radhakrishna S) is a man of words. He keeps his promise come what may. He is a man of ethics and that's why he could produce a movie like this one. There is a lot to learn from him in terms of ethics, taste, etc. He loves cinema and spends as much as the script needs, regardless of who is the hero and director.
In God's creation, both males and females are equally important. In the film industry, I haven't faced any discrimination for being a female. Your talent matters and nothing else. Neither do you get any privilege for being a female.
I am receiving calls for my next movie. Identity is the central idea of my next movie. Aadhar identity will be at its centre. A lot of us are going through an identity crisis. Filmmaking is a highly responsible job.
