Back to production

Even a life saving drug has an expiry date and my friendship with Sreena Vaitla came to a point where it is no longer the same. At least from my side, I don’t want to join forces with him again - Kona Venkat

One of the most prolific writers of Tollywood, Kona Venkat, is trying his hands at production once again with Anjali-starrer ‘Geetanjali’. His first production, ‘Thoka Leni Petta’, 18 years ago, had him in a financial mess. Sunday Hans caught up with the writer on his new interest, his film with Pawan Kalyan and why he doesn’t want to re-unite with former friend Sreenu Vaitla.

You’ve almost lost everything with ‘Thoka Leni Pitta’, what triggered you to co-produce ‘Geetanjali’? Did you want to prove a point?
No, it’s not (smiles). Even then or now, it was an idea that excited me to produce. I was raw when I produced ‘Thoka Leni Pitta’ and it had a telling effect on the film. Though the film was appreciated, I lost everything. Cut to 18 years later, I’ve understood the tricks of the trade the hard way and I’m in a position to produce a film like ‘Geetanjali’ as the risk is less.

Does that mean you will produce more films?
There are a lot of people with out-of-the-box ideas. We got stuck with formula-ridden films and ‘Geetanjali’ is a break away from such stuff. In fact, I have an idea based on the incidents happened in my own life. I want to write and produce it. It all boils down to the fate of ‘Geetanjali’; if it works, I see people ready to invest in concept-driven ideas.

What if it doesn’t?
I strongly believe that failures should never deter one from pursuing what he wants to. If it’s the case I would have not come this far after my first production.

So, what is that point that excited you to produce ‘Geetanjali’?
I was awestruck by the central point which I can’t reveal to you, but I felt it was too dark a thriller. Since I’m not a big fan of such thrillers, I gave it my touch and converted a horror drama into horror comedy.

Anjali has barely done films where she was the solo lead. Don’t you think a Samantha or Tamannaah would have pulled in more audience?
The character required a local girl as the story has a grass-root angle to it. Mumbai girls would have looked artificial.

Don’t you fear your film being replaced, now that three films – ‘Sikindar’, ‘Nee Jathaga Nenudali’ and ‘Lovers’- are lined up for Independence Day?
I don’t advocate too many films on one day, but having said that my film is being distributed by the likes of Dil Raju and Hari, both of whom who can hold the film come what may.

What’s the status of your short film ‘Ram and Juliet’?
It turned out to be longest short film in the history of short films, with a running time of 90 minutes. I’m planning to send it to Guinness Book of World Records. It will be released online next month on a pay per view basis.

What’s happening with your film with Pawan Kalyan?
It’s very much on. He’s currently occupied with ‘Gopala Gopala’ and before he starts shooting for ‘Gabbar Singh 2’, which would be in October, I need to narrate him my script. Contrary to reports that he will bid adieu to acting, I see him doing more films for the next three years now that BJP and TDP have come to power. He even wants me to narrate the story pretty quickly. I’m planning to direct it besides producing.

You’ve had your share of differences with Sreenu Vaitla. Do you see you collaborating with him in the future if he offers an olive branch?
I don’t see that happening from his side or from my side. Even a life saving drug has an expiry date and our friendship came to a point where it is no longer the same. At least from my side, I don’t want to join forces with him again.


Contrary to reports that Pawan Kalyan will bid adieu to acting, I see him doing more films for the next three years now that BJP and TDP have come to power, says Kona