The much-anticipated Telugu horror thriller, 'Pindam,' is set to hit theaters worldwide on December 15. Directed by Saikiran Daida, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast including Srikanth Sriram, Kushee Ravi, Srinivas Avasarala, Easwari Rao, and Ravi Varma, among others. The production, helmed by Yeshwanth Daggumati and co-produced by Prabu Raja, unfolds a captivating narrative crafted by Saikiran Daida, Kavi Siddhartha, and Toby Osborne.

In a recent interaction with print/web journalists, actor-director-writer Srinivas Avasarala shared insights into his involvement in 'Pindam' and his perspectives on the film.

What was your first reaction when director Sai Kiran Daida narrated you the script for 'Pindam'?

When director Sai Kiran narrated the story, I had also watched his work 'Smoke.' The unexpected twist in the end of the short film 'Smoke' caught my attention, showcasing Sai Kiran's ability to engage viewers. This intrigued me about his talent to hold the audience's attention.

Have you given any advice regarding the title 'Pindam'?

I didn't provide any suggestions initially. However, when I heard the narration and learned that the title is 'Pindam,' I expressed my concern about it. The story revolves around the death of an unborn child and how a girl transforms into a wandering spirit.

How would you describe your character in 'Pindam'?

I portray Loknath, an investigator and researcher of supernatural beings. The character encounters Eshwari Rao, an expert in the subject. The narrative unfolds across three different timelines, presenting a unique perspective.

As a writer yourself, have you contributed to dialogues or scriptwriting in 'Pindam'?

Rather than providing inputs on the film set, I prefer learning from others. Observing the dialogue writing and execution process on the sets of Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja's film 'Eagle' was a valuable learning experience for me.

What are your thoughts on the horror thriller genre?

While I'm not a big fan of horror thrillers, the audience's reaction to films like 'Prema Katha Chitram' surprised me. The attention span for horror genres is notably higher compared to other films, reflecting the audience's interest in this genre.

Do you plan to direct a film similar to 'Pindam' in the future?

I have a script for a horror comedy, though not as intense as 'Pindam.' It incorporates an emotional arc, exploring the unfulfilled desires of ghosts. Spirits find it challenging to free themselves from bondage in this dimension.

What do you anticipate for the success of 'Pindam' and its impact on the industry?

Sai Kiran is a passionate filmmaker who transitioned from the IT industry to collaborate with Yeshwant Daggumati in making a Telugu film. I hope 'Pindam' brings them success, and I look forward to their future endeavors.

 

With your involvement in mainstream films and web series, which do you find more challenging - writing for mainstream films or web series?

 

Writing for web series is a demanding task. Tollywood is still adapting to this format. Understanding the pacing and emotional dynamics of a web series, which can have a duration of up to five hours, presents a unique challenge. While conflicts and character designs remain the same, grasping the ebb and flow specific to web series is crucial. Both mainstream films and web series pose distinct challenges.