When Dharmendra Kakarala watched the chasing scene involving JD Chekravarthy and Brahmaji in 'Gulabi', it impacted him thoroughly. He learnt that the impact was because of how the shots were edited effectively.

Cut to 2010, he would edit 'Prasthanam', which won him laurels. Since then, Dharmendra has edited such interesting films as 'Asura', 'Chandamama Kathalu, 'Guntur Talkies', among others. But it's 'Garuda Vega' which is his first most important hit. In this interview, he talks about his career, working on 'GV' and more.

How did you enter into films?

I had always been more interested in films than studies. Although I did clear a Groups II exam, the interviews were never held. It was then that I joined a PG diploma course in editing at a top institute where there are only 10 seats available. My father has always given me the freedom to do whatever I liked. We hail from an agricultural and business family. Born in Eluru, I had my schooling in Vizag. We would play on the beachside during evenings. I would show interest in sports, painting, etc. I think it's because of such upbringing that I eventually got into films.

After doing the PG diploma course, I thought that I would land opportunities right away. It's then that D Suresh Babu garu explained to me as to how one has to make a producer show faith in him to get work. I then met Editor Shankar garu, whose work I have always admired. I worked under him for 'Oka V Chitram'. I then worked on Dasari Narayana Rao garu's five films as an associate. Shankar garu has shown his mettle as the editor for the films of RGV garu, Krishna Vamsi garu and Teja garu.

When did you get your first break?

'Prasthanam' brought me critical acclaim. Since then I have done good films every year.

'Garuda Vega', I must say, is my first big success. Although I had done good works before this, it's this film that has boosted my confidence in a big way.

I have received calls and messages from some big directors and cinematographers.

How was your experience of working on this film?

Not every producer would be ready to spend Rs. 25-30 lacs on editing-related equipment. After 'Baahubali', this is the one film that has ensured that.

About 8-9 cameras, all of them belonging to 4K resolution, were used for making action sequences, etc. High-end systems were used for colour grading. This is one of the best products to have come out from Annapurna Studios's Digital Intermediary works.

Because of the depth and scale of the work, the post-production took a lot of time. I worked on this film, on an average, for 10 hours for 195 days. You can imagine.

How was it working with Praveen Sattaru?

He gave me so much space with full faith in my talent. He is a director who takes suggestions and evaluates them. If he likes a suggestion, he gives a go-ahead.

The kind of rushes I got to edit was quite new. I had never seen such footage. 'Garuda Vega' belongs to a new genre altogether. As such, we took special care. I kept even the BGM in mind while doing the editing. I kept in mind things regarding what sounds would be heard during a cut, etc.

What kind of instructions did Praveen Sattaru give you before taking up the project?

He asked me to watch films belonging to the same genre as 'Garuda Vega'. I watched the James Bond movies, 'Die Hard', etc to have an understanding of the expected editing patterns.

Are you expecting any awards for 'Garuda Vega'?

I never do my work expecting any awards.

How important is editing for a film?

It's very important. It's like rewriting the screenplay. Many people think that editing is about trimming whole scenes! It's not that simple. How long should an expression be is the editor's prerogative. If a scene can be told in 2.5 minutes, why allow it to last for 4 minutes? Editing is not about the pace of a film. I was appreciated for 'Oka Manasu', which is a slow-paced film. And I have been congratulated for 'GV', too. An editor can work on 4-5 films at once.

Given this, why are editors not paid well?

That's the disappointing thing. Maybe it's because the editor's job is considered inferior because he does everything in a room. Sometimes, he who cuts the trailer of a film gets paid more than the editor! Although the physical work has come down with the advancement in technology, the creative efforts that an editor has to put have been the same!

What are your plans for near future?

I want to turn a director. I am expecting that I will be doing it in 2 years' time. I want to debut with a crime comedy. I have always looked up to RGV garu, Teja garu and Krishna Vamsi garu.

What are your upcoming movies as an editor?

I will be working on Praveen Sattaru's next films. If one is under Sreshth Movies (Nithin may or may not be the film's hero), the other one is the biopic of Pullela Gopichand.