Aam PachchaThe Kannada crime drama, directed by Viveka, marks the big screen debut of Kannada superstar Kiccha Sudeep’s nephew Sanchitha Sanjeev.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Sanchit Sanjeev opens up about the unconventional campaign Aam PachchaWhy he chose to debut with a film that defied commercial expectations, the challenges in the Kannada industry, his admiration for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, growing up around Kiccha Sudeep, and his long-term aspirations as both an actor and filmmaker.

He also talked about the need to empower writers, the lack of OTT opportunities for Kannada cinema, and why he hopes to one day direct his uncle in a film inspired by the intensity of the film. GovernmentAmong many other things.

Excerpts from the interview:

Campaign for Q. Aam Pachcha It was unusual. The producers talked about the film, but the actor mostly stayed away from interviews ahead of its release. What was the idea behind that?

A: I don’t know if it worked or not, but I think it was one of the best things we did for the film and for the actors themselves.

We were very confident about the film we had made. Because no one had seen me on screen before – if I was sitting in front of the media there would be nothing else to talk about. Today, you can ask me questions about the film, my performance and my experience after you have seen the film.

So I wouldn’t call it a strategy. It was a conscious decision. We felt it would be better to let the film come out first. Then there will be more for me to talk about. Otherwise, most of my responses would have been, “Please watch the movie.” Our conversation was very limited. I think it would be better if people first form an opinion about me and the film.

Q. Why did you choose? Aam Pachcha As for your first film? This was not a conventional launch vehicle for a newcomer.

A: Someone has to do it. I am not saying that I am going to bring any big change in the Kannada film industry, but I definitely want to play my part.

Keeping in mind the current state of the industry, I felt that as a team we were daring to do something different. I think people are appreciating that too, especially the creative choices we have made.

I loved the story, the emotional journey and the way it went through various ups and downs. I also liked the idea of ​​Mysuru becoming a character in the film. It’s something I immediately connected with. As an actor, I saw a lot of scope in the character and felt that there was enough space to really act and show different shades.

Q. The world and characters of the film seem quite detailed for a series. Was that ever discussed?

A:For this we have to reach a certain level first. Right now, we are not getting that kind of response from OTT platforms.

To be honest, I think as an industry we have to take some of the blame for this. It is not easy. Currently no one is watching Kannada cinema on Netflix. Prime Video may take a movie, but they have their own business model and ideas.

At this point, we’re almost at a place where visibility itself feels like a victory. Business and art go hand in hand, and without that support, it’s difficult to take these ideas forward. I’m glad you think the film has potential for a series because there are so many characters and stories in this world that can be explored.

It’s frustrating that we have incredible talent. Most of our cinematographers, stunt choreographers and music directors work in different industries. The talent is here. The question is why we are not getting equal opportunities to showcase it. This is one of the biggest challenges facing Kannada cinema today.

Q. Are you hoping to contribute to changing that perception as your career progresses?

A: I can’t do this alone. I really don’t think one person can change it.

Everyone wants Kannada cinema to move forward. Everyone has a perspective and wants to help. But as an industry we are making some decisions that we need to look at first. We need to understand where we are faltering and what is the root cause of the problem.

More than anything, I think we need to support writers better. We often talk about directors, but writers are the people who create cinema. If we can be kind to them financially and give them the respect they deserve, we can really grow as an industry.

I’m sure there are many writers who have great stories to tell, but they also have to think about their lives and careers. Given the current situation, many of them may choose the security of a regular job instead. Once we start appreciating the people who actually create cinema, I think it will take us a lot further.

Q. Which movie made the biggest impact on you growing up?

A:For me, it would be hookah. Not just because it starred my uncle (Sudeep), but because it was an important moment in his life and career.

I remember there would be many screenings and we would keep calling people and asking them to watch the film. I might have seen hookah About 28 times in theaters because I accompanied him everywhere. That experience left a huge impact on me.

What stuck with me was not just that it was my uncle’s film, but also its story. It breaks your heart in the end. That’s when it really hit home in my mind that cinema is capable of making people feel something deeply.

after hookahThe movie that really stayed with me Government. I am a big fan of Ram Gopal Varma.

I still remember watching the film in theaters and came back home with it in my mind. I got the CD and watched it over and over again. I loved his anger, intensity and the way he presented those characters.

I remember calling Deepma (Kiccha Sudeep) and telling her, “I think I’ve decided that I want to be a filmmaker.” He asked me what had happened, and I told him, “I think the RGV got into me.” Even today, it is one of my favorite genres and something I would love to explore.

Q. Finally you got a chance to meet Ram Gopal Varma. What was that experience like?

A: You have no idea how that felt. When he first came to our house, I was a child watching everything from a distance.

Later, when I decided that I wanted to pursue film production, I got a chance to visit his office. he was working truth 2 In those days. First of all he took me to the editing room and showed me some parts of the film.

After this we had a long conversation. I told him that I wanted to work with him as an assistant director. Then he said something I will never forget. He told me, “There is nothing to learn from me. Just watch films and start making films.”

See also

Entertainment

KGF director hit a friend in enthusiasm after RCB’s IPL victory. Watch

He also joked about how on his first day as an assistant director he lost the clapboard and was thrown out of the shoot. He is a very interesting man. The amount of knowledge he has, especially about the mafia world of Mumbai, is astonishing. Just sitting and listening to them is an experience in itself.

Q. Kichcha Sudeep has an intimidating screen presence. Is he equally intimidating at home?

A: To be honest, whenever I meet them, I still feel like I have to find some ice breaker.

He is a person who spends a lot of time in his own mind. He plays a lot of chess and thinks deeply about everything. Every decision is calculated, and every consideration goes down to the level of detail.

Over time, we have learned to understand the space it occupies. There are days when he is extremely cheerful and relaxed, and there are days when you know that something is going on in his mind. During those times, we just give him his space because he doesn’t get much of it. Even in our group of friends, everyone understands that when he or she is thinking about something, it is best to just let it go.

Q. There have been reports about a list of Kiccha Sudeep’s upcoming films. Will you be a part of any of them?

A: no not at the moment. I don’t think I have achieved anything big yet by being a part of his films.

Maybe sometime in the future. We have deliberately not sat down and discussed what kind of projects we should work on together. But I’m curious to see what opportunities come my way.

For me, the day I get a chance to share the screen with someone like him, it will also mean that I have created an identity for myself. It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to.

Q. You have often spoken about your interest in directing. If you could direct Kiccha Sudeep in a film, what kind of story would you choose?

A: something like this Government. This is a place I would love to explore with him.

Like you said, he already has that intimidating presence. there are moments like this Government Where Amitabh Bachchan’s character does not have to do anything. He just takes one look and the whole room understands what he wants.

Sudeep has that quality. He can control the environment around him by sitting at one place. This is something I would really love to explore as a filmmaker.

Whether I act with him or direct him, I think directing him will be a more exciting challenge. I don’t know how much scolding I will get for this, but I won’t feel bad at all. (laughing)

About Mango Pacha

Set in Mysuru, the film follows the journey of a young Prashanth alias Pacha, whose life takes a dramatic turn as he moves towards crime, ambition and power.

The film, released on 5 June, has attracted attention for its original story, distinctive creative choices and Sanchit’s performance in his first leading role.