'Fear', written, edited and directed by Dr. Haritha Gogineni, has secured more than 70 awards at various international film festivals already. Starring Vedhika in the lead, the film has Jayaprakash, Pavithra Lokesh, Anish Kuruvilla, and Sayaji Shinde in pivotal roles. With music by Anup Rubens, 'Fear' also features Satya Krishna, Sahithi Dasari, and Shani are playing different roles.
In this interview, Haritha Gogineni talks about the making of 'Fear' and its unique elements.
How did your journey in filmmaking begin?
A lifelong cinephile, I have always been drawn to the magic of movies. This passion, coupled with my love for storytelling and direction, led me to write my own scripts. The idea for 'Fear' sparked three years ago, but we were busy with 'Lucky Lakshman' until we could fully dedicate ourselves to this new project.
Why did you choose Vedhika as the lead actress for 'Fear'?
Before finalizing Vedhika, we explored other options. However, due to scheduling conflicts, we were unable to secure the desired actresses for at least a year. Unwilling to delay the project, we sought alternative solutions. Vedhika, having impressed audiences with her performances in 'Muni' and 'Kanchana 3', emerged as a strong contender. When she heard the story, she was immediately captivated and enthusiastically accepted the role. From the outset, Vedhika was the perfect embodiment of the character we had envisioned.
How did you decide on the title 'Fear'?
Suspense thrillers have a global audience, and our film's title has already garnered international recognition. While we are honored by the awards, we eagerly await the verdict of our Telugu audience.
How was the initial feedback for the film?
Once the film was completed, we shared it with a select group of industry experts, including seasoned directors, producers, and editors. The feedback was incredibly encouraging, with many commenting that the film didn't exhibit the typical hallmarks of a debut director's work. They were particularly impressed by the high production values, and their praise filled us with immense pride.
Can you share details about the filmmaking process?
We meticulously edited two hours of footage down to a tight eight minutes, ensuring a focused and impactful viewing experience. A clear directorial vision and efficient planning, including strict adherence to the actor's schedules, contributed to a streamlined production process.
How did Vedhika and the rest of the cast perform? And how about Anup Rubens' music?
I was completely satisfied after seeing Vedhika's performance. She brought the role I had imagined to life perfectly. Arvind Krishna, though his role is small, brought great depth to his character when we asked him to. Despite the short duration, his character is crucial to the story. Working with Anup Rubens has been a wonderful experience. Even though he has worked with big stars, he was humble and easy to collaborate with. He did an amazing job on the background music for 'Fear'.
What are your plans for the theatrical release of 'Fear'?
We are working hard to secure as many prominent theaters as possible. While the number of theaters may be limited initially, if we receive good word-of-mouth, we will expand the release.
What can we expect from you next?
I already have storylines ready for multiple genres for the new year. Along with a strong action movie, we are also planning a comedy entertainer.
