Browse through online discussion boards on the newer crop of directors in Telugu cinema and you are likely to come across avid movie buffs analysing the work of director Vivek Athreya. After debuting with the rom-com Mental Madhilo, he gently pushed the boundaries with the black comedy Brochevarevarura. His social commentary in this film as well as his next, Ante Sundaraniki, earned him a loyal following that appreciates his writing, gender sensitivity, comedy and ear for music. Here, he talks about filmmakers whose work defined his understanding of cinema in his early years and why he thinks a writer needs to be a good listener.
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:
