Hyderabad, Oct.21 (NSS): Renowned filmmaker Neelakanta, winner of two National Awards and five Nandi Awards, shared his insights with students during an interactive session titled ‘Shooting Neelakanta’ at GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hyderabad, on Monday.
Neelakanta, known for his versatility and innovative storytelling, emphasized the importance of breaking monotony in cinema. He explained, “I made different kinds of films, each with its own mix of three or four genres. Keep experimenting, and it will keep your mind active and alive. Approach different subjects with fresh thoughts to ensure that you’re always producing something new,” he said.
Recalling his early interest in cinema, Neelakanta shared that his journey began when he was just 13 or 14 years old. After watching Buddhimanthudu, a film directed by the legendary Bapu, he realized there was someone behind the camera making the magic happen. This discovery fuelled his curiosity and passion for cinema, turning theatres like Leela Mahal and Navarang in Vijayawada into his ‘temples of learning’. He said while film schools teach the technicalities of filmmaking, true creativity comes from within, something that cannot be taught. His knowledge and inspiration came from observing films, appreciating their nuances, and internalizing those lessons.
Regarding the role of actors and directors, he explained the importance of mutual understanding between the two: ‘The director must guide the actor to truly understand and embody the character. If the actor doesn’t catch the director’s vision, then it’s up to the director to bring it out’. He shared his admiration for actress Bhoomika Chawla’s performance in his film Missamma, and expressed his love for songs in films, as long as they enhance the narrative with genuine emotion. In terms of background music in films, Neelakanta stressed that it should complement rather than overpower the scenes, adding that good background music elevates the emotional impact of the film. He praised concept-based films like Balagam for their depth and relevance.
Introducing Neelakanta, the organizers highlighted his body of work, describing him as a phenomenal filmmaker who believes in quality over quantity. His films, including Show and Missamma, showcase his talent for creating strong characters, meaningful stories, and striking a balance between entertainment and introspection. The session was moderated by Venkata Subbu Peteti, and a vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sushma.
