"If I had the opportunity I'd remake Gang Leader," says director V Jayashankarr

V Jayashankarr is on fire lately, and it only took him one movie to launch him into a great success. After the critical success that was his directorial debut, Paper Boy, Jayashankarr has become the number one hot property for Tollywood cinema, and we can't wait to see what his imagination has in store for us next. It was such an impressive debut. The result of the soundtrack is undoubtedly beautiful. The song, Bombai Pothava Raja from the film, is undoubtedly one of the most memorable hits in Tollywood. While most Tollywood songs then relied on the somewhat literary and dense Telugu, lyricist Suresh Upadhyaya created simple, conversational words for this track that feel at home even today. It was composed by Bheems Ceciroleo who is not just a gifted composer but also an equally talented singer.

There's no doubt that Jayashankarr's phone was constantly ringing and he's already signed up for his involvement into an upcoming project. So without any further ado, here's what he has to say:

I've always been interested in films. When I was doing my job in a software firm, I started making short films with some aspiring actors that went viral with millions of views. And I'm an avid reader of fairy tales, poetry, and religious allegories, as well as classic and contemporary novels which were sparked my interest in making films. My goal has always been to make people think of my movies and most importantly, the films that affect people in any way. I think a filmmaker can succeed if his film has an impact on someone, in any way.

At some point during my college days, I watched Once Upon a Time in America directed by Sergio Leone, which I thought was terrific. The film deals with the themes of childhood friendships, love, lust, greed, betrayal, loss, broken relationships and together with the rise of mobsters in American society. That film really got me interested in cinema. The movie which taught the youth so many good things and it is hard to understand, but if you know it you will get the best lesson of your life. And I also like Mega Star Chiranjeevi's Gang Leader and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Deewaar.

Adurthi Subba Rao is one director who has most definitely left his mark on our world in more ways than one. He is a man who works to expose vital aspects of life, childhood, human relationships and history through his era-defining blockbuster films. I like him so much. If there's one director who peddles not only entertainment but wisdom, too, it's the iconic Adurthi Subba Rao. All his movies have gone on to influence audiences on a global scale positively.

Although it isn't possible, I'd have to go with Gang Leader. If I had the opportunity, I'd remake this film. The Chiranjeevi starrer has some significant elements in it for sure. It's not only an incredibly engaging movie but also one of the biggest blockbuster hits ever created for the silver screen. It still is a cult classic that deserves a remake. Despite its classic status, it would be very possible to make another great film using the same Gang Leader formula with 21st century eyes. That's why it should have a remake in my eyes.

Unlike the olden days, it's quite easy to get an opportunity to make a film these days. If you come at it with confidence, maturity, and a positive attitude, you can defiantly get a chance. But now, an aspiring filmmaker should have storyboard, demo shoot and PPT presentation to narrate the story visually. It's not easy to let positivity and self-confidence keep you from continuing on your filmmaking path. So I would say spend this time wisely and learn the craft, establish a good work ethic, and nurture your passion.

Like I said, I am an avid book reader. Most of the time, I find myself reading something or the other, mostly novels and fiction. Reading really had a huge impact on my life, and I was always enticed by books and what they had to offer, and the more I read, the more I wrote, and vice versa. I found myself connecting with the writings of Ranganayakamma and Sambasiva Rao Kommuri. They are my favourite authors. Currently, I am reading Upanishathula Sandesam written by Swami Ranganathananda. And I heartily recommend 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Atomic Habits and Start with Why.

I will be working on a comedy subject which is not yet titled. Set in a small town, it will be a clean comedy entertainer. It also has love, drama and emotions. It's shaping up to be the excellent comedy movie to get excited for. And the film will be produced by a noted USA distributor who is all set to produce a movie for the first time. It looks like he'll be flexing his pipes again, this time for the more comic fare.