'Sreekaram' is currently running in theatres. Debutant director B Kishor, in his latest interview, has talked about the film, the reception to it and more. Starring Sharwanand and Priyanka Mohan in the lead, the film has music by Mickey J Meyer.

Garnering respect

We have not only got commercial success but also a lot of respect for making a meaningful film like 'Sreekaram'. 14 Reels Plus is a big banner and I was scared by some that the project may or may not fructify. Response for our film is greater in B and C centres.

Journey from short films to films

When I did my second short film titled 'Shatamanam Bhavati', I got a film offer. But I didn't take it up because I wanted to learn the ropes before wielding the megaphone for a feature film. I worked as an AD for a film in 2012. I went on to become an assistant under the likes of JK Bharavi garu and work on 'Lakshmi Raave Maa Intiki', among others. I like mythological films, too. If a mythological has got commercial values, like 'Annamayya', I would go for it.

I feel lucky that I got this opportunity on the basis of my short films. There are a number of eligible aspirants who have a lot of calibre. Throughout my 4-year journey, my team has stayed with me.

Coronavirus element in 'Sreekaram'

'Sreekaram' is based on a 2016 short film by the same title. Coronavirus was included in the story because it's a timely topic. I don't restrict myself to any genre. Barring horror movies, I am confident of pulling off any genre. The father-son scenes are about a 'love failure' in my film.

Farming background

I come from a family of farmers. I have done MBA. I am the eldest son in the family and I have to support the family financially. The producers have supported me in the last 4 years without getting skeptical at any point of time.

Slice of life film

'Sreekaram' has scenes that are true to life. I got inspired by real incidents without my knowing. I infused them all in the story. Of late, our movies are not forcing commercial elements. Take 'Khaidi', for example. There were no songs in the movie. A story has to be told sincerely for the audience to appreciate the honesty in it.

All-round appreciation

Even when I made 'Sreekaram' as a short film, I wanted to use it as a stepping stone for my feature film debut. I knew that I can pitch the story better if I make a short film first. Saagar K Chandra garu, Hanu Raghavapudi garu, Chaitanya Krishna garu and the likes have called me and appreciated. A number of big people from the industry have appreciated my work.

Well-written characters

Some of the characters were written very consciously. For example, the characters played by Rao Ramesh garu and Sai Kumar. Going by the ground reports, I have succeeded in conveying the point of 'Sreekaram' fully.

Farming is picking up

Old is gold. Farming is old and it is gold. Collective farming and modern marketing can solve a number of agricultural problems. After coronavirus, farming has become a new fad among youngsters. I have met software engineers who have turned farmers in recent times. I interacted with them during the writing of the movie.

14 Reels is a special banner

Chiranjeevi garu must have watched the movie. My next film might be under hte same banner. 14 Reels Plus is a banner that waits for the right story. They waited for 7 years to debut in movies even though they had money. It's a banner I have complete faith in.