Neerraja’s first movie as stylist was the 2013 Pawan Kalyan starrer Attarintiki Daredi, after she assisted the costume design departments for movies like 1-Nenokkadine: “In the primary yr, I labored on 13 movies helmed by main administrators akin to Trivikram Srinivas, Harish Shankar, Krishvavamsi, Bobby, VV Vinayak, and Gopichand Mallineni. All that have formed my curiosity in cinema.”
She remembers discussing cinema, in depth, with actors Samantha, Nani and Nithiin, director Gowtam Tinnanuri and producer Sandeep Mudda, through the years. “But I had no concept that sometime I might write a narrative or screenplay.” They have been her sounding boards for Telusu Kada: “As a buddy, Nithiin would give me very optimistic suggestions. Nani, Gowtam and Sandeep would critically consider it and assist me write higher.”
For Gen Z
Initially, her story was a feel-good romance, within the zone of Mani Ratnam movies that she had grown up watching. When Nithiin advised Siddhu Jonnalagadda for the male protagonist, issues took a flip.
Raashii Khanna and Siddhu Jonnalagadda within the movie | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
By then, Neerraja had narrated the story to famend cinematographer PC Sreeram and editor Sreekar Prasad. “The undeniable fact that these legends appreciated my story validated my writing. I’ve grown up being mesmerised by PC sir’s work, and it was an enormous deal to relate the story to him.”
Given Siddhu’s edginess in his latest movies, together with DJ Tillu and Tillu Square, the story was tweaked to provide it a new-age enchantment. “Since Siddhu can be a author, he introduced in his perspective,” provides Neerraja. Siddhu is credited with extra writing for the movie.
As the movie grew right into a extra business enterprise, Neerraja and PC Sreeram determined to half methods. “It was mutual,” says Neerraja. Cinematographer V S Gnana Shekar stepped in.
While Siddhu may be within the highlight after the Tillu movies, Neerraja assures that each Raashii and Srinidhi have substantial components. “I don’t suppose the audiences have seen Raashii and Srinidhi as such characters in a Telugu movie earlier. I can say lots about their performances, however it must wait until the movie’s launch.”
Neerraja is armed with a level in vogue advertising and visible merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. “I had by no means sketched as a part of my course. But as soon as within the movie trade, I started studying.”
Unknowingly, there was additionally a author in her ready to be tapped into, maybe subconsciously impressed by her brother — screenwriter Kona Venkat. A couple of years in the past, Neerraja penned a e book of poems titled Waves, Sand & Magic. She additionally started engaged on tales, intending at hand them over to administrators and manufacturing homes. “My mates inspired me to direct in order that I can narrate the tales the way in which I had visualised them. I used to be not ready to be a director; I hadn’t even assisted anybody.”
Eventually, she took the plunge. But not earlier than having a handful of tales in place, in order that she may direct movies in fast succession. “I might write throughout breaks on movie units, seated in a nook or in caravans, scribbling ideas as they got here. When I accomplished the Telusu Kasa screenplay on Celtx (software program), it was deeply satisfying.”
Game for various reactions
Srinidhi Shetty and Siddhu Jonnalagadda in ‘Telusu Kada’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Without giving freely the movie’s crux, Neerraja says {that a} character’s reactions to a battle level may elicit various responses. “I imagine every certainly one of us has a darkish aspect. At the danger of getting flak, I made a decision to remain true to the story and the way I believe {that a} character is more likely to behave. Romance comes with ache and issues. Harsha’s character turns into the voice of purpose, usually asking questions the viewers may consider.”
A primary movie usually displays a director’s experiences or observations, with cinematic liberties. Neerraja agrees that there’s a little bit of her within the movie’s three pivotal characters. “Whether it’s my poetry or screenplay, what I really feel at that second comes by means of in my writing.”
When Neerraja stepped into her new position as director, it was not simple. She was no stranger to engaged on movie units. “Yet, it was all new. I wasn’t even positive if I’d have the ability to say begin, digicam, motion, with confidence. We filmed for 80 days. By the tip of it, I used to be extra assured. I relied on my inside energy to talk with conviction to editor Navin Nooli, music composer Thaman, and plenty of skilled technicians.”
For Telusu Kada, she handed over the duties of costume design and styling to Sheetal Sharma and Lanka Santhoshi, in order to not unfold herself too skinny. “Direction has been a studying expertise with happiness and heartbreaks. I learnt the significance of letting go of some parts I had written, for the betterment of the movie.”
Neerraja says she has at all times been a fast learner. “I took an enhancing class with Sreekar sir in 2019, I noticed Thaman recording music in his studio, and all this helped me.”
She appears as much as Zoya Akhtar’s capability to relate a narrative with integrity and make it commercially viable to a big viewers. That’s an area she goals to be in, narrating tales of substance that additionally entertain.
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