Actor Shiva Kandukuri was last year seen in 'Gamanam'. This year, he is gearing up for the release of three movies in the least.
As he turns a year older today, the actor spoke to the media about his ideology as an actor, the experience he has made so far, his upcoming movies, how OTT is benefitting deserving talents, and more.
I will choose only purposive scripts that have well-defined characters. 'Gamanam' and 'Chusi Choodangane' were picked up for the same reason. The audience's reaction to the former ever since it was released on OTT has been overwhelming. The approach is working for me.
Just because I am the son of a film producer (Raj Kandukuri of 'Pelli Choopulu' fame), it doesn't mean that I should pick only commercial subjects. I want to break away from the mould. My belief system is that I should do only meaningful movies. I can't go against my convictions.
At least in the initial stages of my career, I want to do content-oriented movies. Even when I do commercial movies, I will do only organic ones. 'Manu Charitra' is going to be an organic one. The journey of the character, the story arc are commercial as well as realistic.
'Gamanam' (2021) found its audience and it convinced me that I am on the right track. I should be able to connect with the character I am playing. I should have conviction in the script. 'Pushpa' was convincing because Allu Arjun garu believed in the character and the film. Without that level of conviction, the audience wouldn't have loved it so much. It applies to all kinds of movies.
On OTT, our audiences are watching world cinema. As filmmakers and actors, we have to take the right step forward by moving away from the regular mould.
Some scripts strike the right chord with us at the commercial level. I pick those scripts that haunt me after I listen to them. I believe in quality more than quantity. I might do only a handful of movies in the next 5 years. Volume doesn't matter. My father has been in the film industry for many years. The decision to do or not to do a movie rests on me. He merely gives his piece of mind. Most of the times, our views converge on the same plane.
I have learned a great deal by observing seniors like Charu Haasan sir ('Gamanam' co-star) and cinematographer VS Gnanasekhar garu. I got to work with talented people on my very second movie, 'Gamanam'.
There is definitely heavy competition in the industry. Everyone wants to do something distinctly different, both story-wise and performance-wise. OTT has been a level-playing field for films made on high and low budgets. There is greater scope to tell content-oriented stories now. It's a very healthy time for newcomers to be in.
These days, filmmakers are writing detailed scripts. Their homework is evolved. Everyone is working really hard to impress the audience. The detailing shows itself on the screen.
'Manu Charitra' has completed its shoot. I am also doing a crime thriller. Newcomer Purushottam Raj is its director. I am also doing 'Meet Cute', an anthology produced by Natural Star Nani garu.
OTT has changed the audience's mindsets and tastes. But once they get used to the theatrical experience all over again, theatres will be back in vogue. OTT has provided a platform for deserving talents. A lot of films that didn't work in theatres have found their loyal audiences on OTT.
Being part of organic stories is my birthday resolution. Doing a film like 'Gamanam' was a great experience. The media supported it genuinely.
