We Need to Stop Writing Stories for Heroes –Director Gunasekhar

Acclaimed director Gunasekhar, known for his unique storytelling, visual style, and filmmaking approach, has consistently impressed Telugu audiences with films such as Okkadu and Choodalani Vundi. Recently, he directed the new-age film Euphoria, which received an excellent response. Ahead of his birthday on June 2nd, Gunasekhar spoke to the media about his cinematic journey and several aspects of his career.
How do you feel about the response to ‘Euphoria’?
Among all the films I have made in my career, Euphoria stands apart. I have seen many social media comments asking me to make more films like this. Several analytical reviews of the movie have received millions of views. The film is getting a fantastic response on ETV Win and aha. It is also available on a rental basis on Amazon, where it is trending at the top. Many people have messaged me saying they missed it in theatres and asking for forgiveness. Honestly, this film has given me a new burst of energy. I usually do not hold press meets on my birthdays, but the energy Euphoria has given me made me want to interact with the media this time.
People did not come to theatres in large numbers. Does that mean the promotions were inadequate?
The fact that I was also the producer may have been a disadvantage. I feel I failed from a marketing perspective. I know how to make films, but reaching audiences is an art in itself, and I could not succeed in that area. Going forward, I will not produce films entirely on my own. I will collaborate with others, especially when it comes to marketing.
What kind of homework do you do to stay connected with current trends?
I read five or six newspapers every day. Newspapers help me understand what is happening in society. There are numerous stories about crimes involving minors, both as victims and perpetrators. Most people simply read such reports and move on, but I drew inspiration from those realities and made Euphoria. In fact, this is the kind of film that the government should purchase and screen for free. It is a film that families should watch together because it creates awareness. Harsh realities need to be shown and discussed.
What is your opinion on the kind of stories being made today?
We need to stop writing stories for heroes. First, we should write the story and then find the right hero for it. I have personally suffered because of doing it the other way around. When we build stories around a hero simply because their dates are available, we end up trapped in a formula. Earlier, films often ended once the criminal was punished. But I wanted to show what happens after that - how a person who has been punished lives in society and deals with guilt. That is why I focused on guilt and its consequences in Euphoria.
When did you realize that heroes should emerge from the story rather than stories being written for heroes?
Every director has that thought from the beginning, but circumstances do not always allow it. After Choodalani Vundi with Chiranjeevi, I made Manoharam. I already had the story of Manoharam and wanted to tell it, so I made it. To me, my stories and the characters within them are the real superstars. Our way of thinking also needs to change. Everyone should first focus on whether the story is good.
What kind of story have you written now?
The energy I received from Euphoria inspired me to write another story. It is a strong story that would suit a particular hero. The hero should support the story not the other way around. I will no longer write stories merely to accommodate heroism or grand sets. I wrote Okkadu as a story first, and only later did it suit Mahesh Babu. If I had written it specifically for Mahesh Babu, it might have turned into another Sainikudu.
How has ‘Euphoria’ affected you financially?
I suffered some financial losses because of Euphoria. It is actually not the kind of film that should have lost money. I trusted certain people and waited until the last minute for them, which also contributed to the losses.
Do you want your daughters to become directors?
My daughters belong to Gen Z. Convincing them is not easy. The energy I got from Euphoria has already led me to write four new stories. One of those projects will be directed by an outside filmmaker and produced by my daughters.
When will ‘Euphoria’ be available in other languages on OTT?
There is strong demand from Hindi-speaking audiences. The Tamil version is already ready. Both the Hindi and Tamil versions will be released soon. Many people assumed the film would come to Netflix. It is a universal concept. However, before taking it pan-India, I first needed to market it properly in Telugu, and I could not do that effectively.
Will you continue making films regularly from now on?
After Rudhramadevi, I spent eight years on Hiranyakashyapa. During that gap, many films were made based on ideas and concepts I had wanted to explore. That is why I have now decided not to waste any more time. I will prepare complete bound scripts and present them directly to heroes and producers. In fact, I had already written the story of Choodalani Vundi while working on Ramayanam.
Will the ‘Hiranyakashyapa’ project happen?
Not in its original form. We had planned to make Hiranyakashyapa with Fox Star Studios, and three to four years went into pre-production. Then the pandemic happened. After that, Disney acquired the company. The new team was not willing to invest ₹300 crore in the project. Mythological stories do not have exclusive rights, and I was worried someone else might make it first. As expected, Mahavatar Narasimha was released and became a blockbuster across India in animation format.
How did Trivikram’s name become associated with ‘Hiranyakashyapa’?
When Rana and I first conceived the project, Trivikram himself called and said he would write the dialogues. Later, the project did not move forward. He remained attached only as a writer. Subsequently, an announcement about the project came from Rana. I was concerned that my visual concepts might be getting used, so I shared my worries with a few people. Trivikram then called me and explained everything. I had already visualized the project in a style similar to Mahavatar Narasimha, and I feared that visualization might be used elsewhere.
What project are you currently working on?
I currently have four stories ready. I plan to collaborate with a reputed production house. One script has already reached the draft stage and would perfectly suit a particular hero. I intend to narrate it to him. It is a very hard-hitting story. I felt an intense urge to make this film immediately. I am not interested in adding songs or fights just for the sake of it. I also have a period drama that requires a huge budget. When the right production company and the right opportunity come along, I will move forward with that project.