Neelakanta Cinejosh Exclusive Interview About Circle

Neelakanta, The national award-winning director for his film Show has made several rich-in-content films. His Missamma won Four Nandi Awards along with a box office success. His film Virodhi with Srikanth won numerous accolades and was also screened at many international film festivals. After Maya in 2014, Neelakanta is coming with the thriller, 'Circle' which is slated to release in theatres this July 7th. On this occasion, CineJosh speaks to him exclusively. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

🎇Neelakanta Garu, why did you take such a long gap between your films?

- After Maya, I was working and busy with my films but many of them didn't materialize and are yet to be released for some other reasons. For me, there is no gap as I have been working all these years. 

🎇How did this 'Circle' formed?

- Producers of Circle film Sarath, Annith Reddy, and Venu are friends. They like my style of narration and content in my films. They approached me for a film and that's how 'Circle' has been made.

🎇What kind of film are you offering with 'Circle'?

- 'Circle' gives you an emotional high. There is an element of death and how fate draws the characters of the film to a scenario where they have to fight for life and death. I call 'Circle' an emotional thriller. 

🎇How do you justify the title, 'Circle' from the story point of view?

- The title came from the story itself. After I completed writing the story, I felt 'Circle' is the alt title for this film. I can't reveal much about it as it might spoil a thrilling experience while you are watching the film.

🎇After award-winning films like Show, Missamma, and Virodhi, there is a complaint about you that you want to make films with strong conflicts only those that have the potential to win awards. What do you say about it?

- That is a completely wrong allegation. I never thought of 'Show' as an award film. It did well for its commercial prospects. The film happened to win a national award. I didn't plan and made the film to keep awards in mind. Missamma was also a Golden Nandi Award winner but at the same time, it is a big commercial hit film.  Virodhi was made about exploring social issues. I feel the appreciation from the audience is the biggest award. I always work on a particular concept.  I do my research in detail about an issue and I always look at an element that could connect to the audience. 

🎇What did you try to explore in 'Circle'?

- 'Circle' is a slice-of-life film that the audience can relate to their lives. It has a humane connection. It will entertain the audience in a way that they wanted the film to be. 

🎇You have a set of audiences who will watch all your films. But, 'Circle' doesn't have any stars or popular faces. What is your confidence to go for a theatrical release when you have an OTT option?

- My producers felt this film has potential. Its content can be highlighted more in theaters. They are very confident that this film will do well and connect with a wider audience in theaters. 

🎇Why did you opt for this release date amidst numerous films that are releasing on the same day?

- Life is all about chances. We have to take a chance. Some things are not in our hands. It happened that way. I wish all the other films the very best. 

🎇Tell us about your actors.

- Sai Ronak is the protagonist of the film. For the first time choreographer Baba Bhaskar did an antagonist role. Richa Panai did a complete contrast role from her previous films. Arshin Mehta is doing a role hailing from a royal family. The film has dark humor in the characters. These are one of the best characters I have written in my films. All the characters have different attitudes and thinking processes which are quite different from each other. 

🎇About Technicians?

- DOP Ranganath delivered different lighting as per the mood of the situation. Music was done by NS Prasu. There are three songs in the film. He gave a haunting background score. Editing was done by Madhu Reddy. 

🎇Tollywood has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Did Neelakanta also change and be updated to the current trend?

- I have my original with me. Only the outer core changes. I always choose subjects that are updated at times. For instance, when you look at films like Show, Nandanavanam, and Virodhi all are relevant and updated for its time. Changes that are happening around us are being subconsciously absorbed as inputs. Keeping tabs on films and content that are being made keeps us updated. 

🎇Any plans to make OTT content?

- I have plans and scripts in the developing stage. Those which I cannot present in a film and need elaborate narration would be made in OTT. I will also be reaching more audiences.

🎇What are you offering to the audience with 'Circle'?

- 'Circle' will involve the audience emotionally. They will undergo an emotional experience and come out with a contented feeling.