'Sehari', starring Harsh Kanumilli and Simran Choudary in the lead, will be released in theatres on February 11. Debutant director Gnanasagar Dwaraka, in this interview, talks about what makes the film unique, his experience as an Ad filmmaker, working with newcomer and writer Harsh, his future plans, and more.
I have been an Ad filmmaker for six years. 'Sehari' is my feature film debut. I come from the Chittoor district. After completing my M.Sc. Computer Science, I moved to the film industry immediately. I worked as an AD under a banner. Ad filmmaking was done independently. I must have worked on more than 70 Ad films. The experience was great because it helped me in understanding the power of visuals.
Craft-wise, Ads and feature films are more or less the same. The emotional heft has to be carried for long in the case of filmmaking, unlike in the case of Ads. There are schedule breaks when you are doing a film. It's not easy to carry the same mood throughout.
The title 'Sehari' means celebration. Abhinav Gomatam and a few other artists were too busy last year and the production works got delayed. The post-production works, too, got delayed.
Harsh, the male lead, himself has written the story. It's a clean film without regular romantic tropes. I said yes as soon as I listened to the story. We took almost three months for shoot. It was not problematic. This was the best rom-com that I have listened to in years.
The hero's character reflects the confusion of a young man in his early 20s. After he decides to get married, he falls in love with the bride's sister. The story will take you to the world of 'Sehari' in 2 minutes. The scenes will leave you with a smile. It's like receiving a warm hug from someone we love.
The title has clicked with the audience. A lot of people have asked me what made us choose the title and what it means. That's why the trailer reveals the meaning of the title.
It was like working with the family. Advaya Jishnu Reddy, the producer, supported me like an elder brother. Harsh will become a big star for sure. He is attractive and spontaneous. His dialogue delivery is amazing. His passion for filmmaking is great.
The team 'Sehari' was always in agreement with each other's ideas. My ideas struck a chord with my hero, music director, cinematographer and producer. The Director of Photography and the production designer ensured lavish visuals. The producer never dithered on spending big. The editor Ravi Teja Girijala has worked on films like 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi'. Composer Prashanth R Vihari is a lovely talent. He has given a blockbuster album. Senior music director Koti garu has played the hero's father. It was the producer's judgement to approach him for the role.
I like the colour schema in Trivikram garu's movies. I am fond of visual lavishness. I am inspired by the likes of Rajamouli garu's visuals.
I am planning another project with Harsh, once again. It's going to be an actioner. It will be announced soon.
