Vijay Kumar Konda is one of the youthful directors who earlier gave a feel good romantic comedy Gunde Jaari Gallanthayindhe starring Nithiin and Nitya Menon in the lead roles. The film was appreciated for the fresh feel and good treatment. Now the director has made Oka Laila Kosam starring Naga Chaitanya and Pooja Hegde which has been received well by the audience. Here is an exclusive chitchat with the director:
How has the response been for your latest film Oka Laila Kosam?
It has been very good. I’m glad to see the family audience appreciating it as well. I honestly thought youth would like it more but it gives me immense happiness to see the family audience appreciating my film. A film should be appreciated by all sorts of audience and I would make such films in future.
You seem to have a liking for choosing sensitive subjects than thumping ones. Any reason behind it?
People appreciate such films. Too much melodrama shouldn’t be hampering the film’s flow. It should be fun to watch. I also like to make such films. As a director one should do all sorts of films but I want to do sensitive films as I feel I am good at it.
About your working experience with Naga Chaitanya..
I wrote a rough storyline and narrated it to him. He really liked the basic storyline. But however, ‘Karthik’ characterization was written after interacting more with him. Chaitu gets into the character and the scene very easily. His judgmental skills are quite amazing!
How was it working with Pooja Hegde?
She is a huge plus for this film. Pooja is a very sharp and smart actress. Just like ‘Chitti’ in Rajnikanth’s Robot, she used to simply scan the dialogues! She doesn’t like to be prompted. Even when the scene is changed in the last moment, she used to be prepared and adapt well. I am in awe with her memory skills!
Your films have strong female lead roles- let it be Nitya Menen in GJG or Pooja in OLK. Why?
Love story requires a good and strong heroine character as well. These days the heroine roles are confined to glamor alone but my films are away from such clichés.
How did OLK get approved?
I narrated a rough storyline. Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya liked the story. They themselves came forward to produce the story. Even for Gunde Jaari Gallanthayindhe, Nithin showed interest to produce it. Coincidentally both my films had my heroes produce it!
Is there any reason to choose youth oriented subjects?
It is because most of the films are watched by younger audience. I prefer to show their ideology on screen. Current day youth feel if they win a woman’s heart it is all left in the world. I showed the exact attitude in OLK.
What was the additional care taken for OLK compared to your earlier film Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyindey?
OLK is not too dramatic! I chose to narrate the story straightforwardly without any excessive drama.
Did Nagarjuna involve in the making of OLK?
Nagarjuna has great judgment skills. He said the film would be hit after watching. He had great confidence in me. In fact, his confidence was more than mine!
But why did he make changes to the film’s storyline?
After watching the rushes, he made few suggestions which I must admit, helped a lot to the film.
What happened to your project with Charan?
I’m currently developing two rough storylines that I have right now. I would work with the hero who would suit it best.
Will you be doing another film with Nithiin?
He is ready to work with me. If the story works for him, I would be pleased to work with him again!
Okay..thank you and wish you the best for future projects!
Thanks a lot!
