When optometrist-turned-director Sailesh Kolanu debuted with the Telugu crime thriller HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) in which the protagonist worked with a Sherlock Holmes-like ability to try and solve crime while battling post-traumatic disorder, he made the audience curious. Sailesh followed it up with HIT 2, only to reveal that these films will be part of a ‘HIT universe’, each aiming to leave a bigger footprint. An ardent Kamal Haasan fan and an avid reader, the writer-director hopes to have his signature even as he moves on to direct bigger stars in his forthcoming films. Before HIT 3 starring Nani gets rolling, he is now at work for the Venkatesh-starrer Saindhav, set in a fictional city.
Directors’ Take
This series of interviews shines the spotlight on the newer crop of directors who made their mark in Telugu cinema in recent years. The series is an attempt to discuss how the larger-than-life Telugu films that capture nationwide attention co-exist with refreshing small and medium budget films.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
