Hidimbha unheard historical thriller - Aneel Kanneganti

Aneel Kanneganti is coming with a thriller Hidimbha featuring Ashwin Babu in the lead. This happens to be his second film after his directorial debut Run which was released in 2016. Aneel Kanneganti during his exclusive interaction spoke about Hidimbha.

Did you take a gap and it just happened?

I did not take it. They only gave. It just happened. People who have a passion for films love to do as many films as possible. Even though I did not take any films, I am passing the time discussing films, stories, and concepts with my friends.

You have that caliber. But so much gap is surprising?

I have been putting in my efforts sincerely. But it just did not materialize. All this time I have been trying a few big projects but they kept on dragging and did not happen at the last minute. Unfortunately, things did not go as expected.

Even Hidimbha is not a small project. You touched up on the Bay of Bengal..

Have you watched the film? Nowadays it is a challenge for filmmakers to bring movie lovers to the theatres. If we cannot provide the best content, viewers are not coming to theatres. Thriller movie lovers have been watching films from across the world in various languages. For them, we planned something different to thrill them. We thought historical fiction's touch to the thriller genre will appeal to them. I have already developed a story but if I take that film in the historical genre it will be a big-budget project. If I link it to my investigative thriller connecting the dots in the flashback, it will get well and even the budget will be under control. So all those elements and the misconception that only documented files are historical genre but there are many things that are unwritten in the books. All those incidents which I heard from various people, my grandfather, I readied a story taking a British incident.

So we shouldn't venture out wearing red color? You will scare all of us...

Yes. Red color has some separate parameters and any kidnappings have some pattern. Kidnappers follow some patterns knowingly and unknowingly. We gave detailed information as to why the Red color was chosen. Everyone said this one was interesting. and exciting. If information is given properly, the audience will get connected. We justified it properly in the film.

Why did you choose Ashwin for such a big script? Can he do justice?

Yes. 100%.We needed an actor who has no image and This will act as a surprising factor. The actor shouldn't have done such a role earlier to surprise the viewers. Ashwin is my best friend and we have been traveling a lot and when we planned to do other films, I told him this story and he agreed to do it. We can mold him in any manner. He is hardworking and the most passionate actor. As he is in production, he couldn't do more films or else he is a very good actor. He worked hard experiencing more mental and physical stress than any of us. Everyone loved his performance.

What are you offering to viewers to make them watch Hidimbha?

If we offer fresh original content to viewers they will come to theatres irrespective of the language. We have selected an untouched point and narrated it keeping in view the tastes of Telugu viewers. We have also included thrilling elements and also high octane fights to entertain all. Those who like the thriller genre will love it. Everyone will love history and show interest to know more about it. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been so many hits in the Indian film industry. We are telling something that is not in the history books and it will definitely appeal to viewers.

How confident about Hidimbha's output...

hundred percent.

What about your technicians.?

Rajasekhar handled the DOP. I loved his work for Arya 2 and Orange. We roped him for Mr. Nookayya. He uses his creativity more than me and his father is an art college principal. He has a good idea of production, artwork, and how to show various frames. Vikas Badisa came up with thumping BGM. He elevated the scenes with his sound mixing. We got it done the sound designing at a studio where Kantara and KGF were done. The same person did the sound design. Gaddam Shiva did very well and for sound mixing and design, we will get a good response and applause.

What care did you take with respect to the screenplay?

A regular process will be there for the story and screenplay and from my own experience there is a saying that we shouldn't do old mistakes but can do new mistakes. The end of the first half paves the way for the Hidimbha world in the second half.

Did the budget shore up for the climax.?

No nothing. We did the film within the budget. People will enjoy the last 40 minutes.

Cinejosh wishes Hidimbha makers a sensational run at the box office.