'Kothapallilo Okappudu' is a Good Family Entertainer, Confident It Will Receive Audience Appreciation Like 'C/O Kancharapalem': Director Praveena Paruchuri
Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media presents the rural comedy 'Kothapallilo Okappudu.' Directed by actress-turned-filmmaker Praveena Paruchuri, known for her association with critically acclaimed films like C/O Kancharapalem and Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, the film is produced by Paruchuri Vijaya Praveena Arts. Starring Manoj Chandra and Monika in lead roles, the film has garnered a positive response for its first look, teaser, and trailer. With its release slated for July 18th, director Praveena Paruchuri recently shared insights about the film at a press conference.
Praveena Paruchuri's Journey to Direction
When asked about her transition from producer and actress to director, Praveena Paruchuri shared, "I have always been interested in directing. I have been passionate about films since childhood. I learned Andhra Natyam, then Kuchipudi. That's how I gained an understanding of acting, music, and literature. I attended acting classes in America. There, I did a short course related to filmmaking. Directing is a very difficult craft. I decided to learn by producing. My previous two films gave me experience in all crafts."
The Genesis of the Story and Its Unique Elements
Recalling how the story began, she said, "During the Corona pandemic, everyone was suffering. As a doctor, my suffering was even greater. At that time, I didn't think much about films. I didn't even think I would make another film. Then, I made a short film in collaboration with Mickey Meyer Garu. Later, I came to India once. The idea for this story was born then. I am confident that this will be a good entertainer, just like Kancharapalem."
Describing her character in the film, she added, "My character felt very fun. Women in villages are usually a bit tough. My character is also such a tough one. This character is very different from my personality. I have two wonderful scenes in this film. There is a sequence in this film as powerful as the Jathara scene in Pushpa. I am confident that it will definitely entertain all of you. This film has a very good screenplay and excellent visualization."
Balancing Medical Profession and Filmmaking
Addressing how she manages filmmaking despite her busy medical profession, she explained, "As a doctor, I am constantly in practice. At such times, I need a creative outlet. Since I was interested in cinema from childhood, I thought making films would provide such a creative outlet. I acted in Kancharapalem out of necessity. In this film too, the character is very fun. However, I always wanted to be a director."
When asked about the horror or supernatural elements hinted at in the trailer, she clarified, "It's not horror, but it does have a supernatural element. We have many village deities. We have a lot of faith and belief in many things. I have been very interested in these beliefs from the beginning. In this film, such a belief has been shown very neutrally."
"I love Telugu films very much. If a good story is told, Telugu audiences always watch it with a great heart. They have wonderfully supported both the films I have made so far. I am confident that they will support and encourage this film too."
"All three films I have made so far are set against the backdrop of Uttarandhra. If I get an opportunity to make another film in the future, I want to do it with a city backdrop."
"The previews of this film received a wonderful response. Children, youth, and elders all liked it. This is a good family entertainer."
Biggest Challenge and Inspirations
Regarding the biggest challenge in this project, she stated, "The biggest challenge for this film was time. Continuing medicine while making the film, taking breaks, and managing post-production – all these felt challenging."
About Rana Garu, she said, "Rana Garu has been encouraging us immensely since C/O Kancharapalem. He liked this film very much. We consider it an honor that he is presenting this film."
When asked what she learned from this film, she replied, "To achieve anything, one must have willpower. No matter how many difficulties come, we can achieve what we set out to do. That's what this film taught me."
The best compliment she received for the film was, "Someone at the press meet recently said, 'This film feels like a Vamsi Garu's film.' That made me very happy. While watching this film, it also feels like a Jandhyala Garu's film, a story happening around us."
Future Aspirations
About her future film aspirations, she shared, "If this film appeals to audiences and achieves good success, I want to make more films. I have always wanted to make an action film. I want to make a good martial arts film."
