#BehindTheCamera! Director Raghav Omkar Sasidhar: Global audiences are finally witnessing the kind of real talent the Telugu film industry can produce

Raghav Omkar Sasidhar has been working in the independent film industry for several years. His first independent film was 'Omkaram'. With several titles under his belt, including 'Laddu', 'Nannu Kshaminchandi' and the upcoming film, 'The 100', Raghav is fast making a name for himself in the world of film.
Exclusively for the #BehindTheCamera series, we sat down with Raghav Omkar Sasidhar and explored his career, attitude to directing, thoughts on the film industry, tips for aspiring directors and much more.Excerpts:

When did you enter the film industry?

I entered the film industry in 2004. After completing BE Electronics and Communication Engineering, I joined the filmmaking course in NYFA, Mumbai. Then, I assisted filmmaker Krishna Vamsi in the direction department for six years. While working under the supervision of Krishan Vamsi sir, I directed an independent film called 'Omkaram'. I even helmed some short films, commercials and political ad films before becoming a feature film director.
What is the difference between then and now in the industry?
There is a lot of difference between then and now. Now, no one is waiting too long for opportunities. In fact, there is no need to wait for an opportunity nowadays when compared to the early 2000s. Most of the people who came with me did not even reach the stage where I am now. I built a strong profile that would help me gain a competitive edge over other aspirant directors. There were no social media platforms at that time. So, there were no short films, web series, etc. Now things have changed. The advent of social media has created a bundle of opportunities for newcomers.
Why did you take so long to become a director?

Nothing lies in our hands, we are the just puppet of destiny. Some people get the opportunity on a silver platter. I'm not one of those people. Most people aren't. I never thought that so many years would have passed since I came into the industry. I never felt like I was wasting my time. I’ve been enjoying my journey and I have been learning something every day all these years. What I have learned will not be in vain. I never gave up. Of course, I won several awards for directing independent films.
What were your achievements?
My first independent film 'Omkaram' received two state Nandi Awards. I directed a short film called 'Laddu', which won 150+ international awards. 'Nannu Kshaminchandi' garnered two international awards and 500+ prestigious awards. I am extremely honoured to receive these recognitions from the respective juries. And I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all the people who make this happen.
Have you ever felt depressed that your friends are getting chances and you’re not?

I never ever think negatively about my friends. I always think positive because positivity creates success in life. Kumar Nagendra of 'Gundello Godari' fame is my friend and he achieved success with this Lakshmi Manchu starrer. Allu Sirish starrer 'ABCD: American Born Confused Desi' was directed by my friend Sanjeevi Reddy, who was also appreciated for his directorial skills. Many of our batchmates who assisted Krishna Vamsi sir became directors now.
Did you face any financial problems during your journey?

By the grace of God, I didn’t face any financial problems so far. My parents are always supportive of my decisions. I have been able to do anything with freedom. And I have never been free all these years. Like I said earlier, I worked for independent films, short films, commercial ads, etc. If I could find any work on hand I did it. Unlike sticking to the decision to direct only feature films, I seized every opportunity I got and I succeeded.
Is it necessary to learn a filmmaking course to become a director?
Not necessary. But it’s better to learn by mastering the making skills. If you want to be confident, it is better to know the basic fundamental rules, which will be taught only by the instructors at film institutes. A filmmaking course will help you gain practical knowledge, which is a prerequisite for entering the world of filmmaking. It will give you the know-how on the topics like photography, audio mixing, lighting, framing etc.
How hard was it to get your first film onto the movie sets?

Grabbing a direction chance isn’t a cakewalk for anyone. Actually, my debut directorial was supposed to be bankrolled by Abhishek Nama's Abhishek Pictures. But for some reason, it couldn’t get materialized. Then, I discussed a subject with my friend RK Sagar of 'Shaadi Mubarak' fame. He loved the story and told me to be part of the film production as well. The film has been titled The 100, which stars RK Sagar in the lead role.
Tell us a little bit about The 100?
The 100 is an emotional action drama. RK Sagar plays the lead role. 'Thellavarithe Guruvaram' fame Misha Narang essays the love interest to Sagar in the film. We have a star-studded cast including Vishnu Priya Bhimineni, Dhanya Balakrishna, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Kalyani Natarajan and Anand, among others. Over 90 per cent of the shoot has been completed so far. Two songs and a fight sequence will be shot in the final schedule, which is all set to begin soon. The film's dubbing has begun and is progressing at a brisk pace. The promotions will begin in a couple of weeks.
Who is your favourite filmmaker?

Obviously, SS Rajamouli Garu. His films, 'Baahubali' and 'RRR' changed Indian cinema forever. His movies did not just make profits for their producers, but they increased the earning potential of the entire Telugu film industry. The world recognised that Tollywood has potential actors and the global audiences are finally witnessing the kind of real talent the Telugu film industry can produce. So, it’s all because of Rajamouli Garu.
What would you like to say to aspirant directors?
You need to be patient and spend time learning. Keep trying until you get a chance. Never give up on your dream until you win the race. Fix your goal before entering the film industry. Don’t daydream anymore. There will be something you never tasted. Increase your knowledge in every possible way. If you stop hunting for your dreams, you will fail. Be patient that keeps you from quitting.


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