For a change, Suma was not holding a mic at an event. She looked quite comfortable as the web channel ‘JujubiTV’ was unveiled, with a lineup of shows. The Youtube channel is the brainchild of actor Rajiv Kanakala and Suma, who are turning producers with a promise to meet all entertainment needs of netizens. From short films to independent films, comedy snippets and web-series, JujubiTV will release new content across streaming portals every week, unfettered by constraints like time, language and budget.
Beyond barriers
Suma says the channel reflects the cultural change we're experiencing with viewers alternating between films, television and options like Netflix, Amazon Prime. While the idea of a web channel struck her while finalising concepts for her television productions, it was their creative director Amjad who came up with its name.
“We wanted to make our own mark in the digital space. I believe users will start spending more time on social media than television in the coming years. I was comforted by the thought of promoting content without boundaries and factors that may hinder creativity. Everything from the language and finances is our choice here,” she states.
One of their shows is a web series Delhi Pellam. “The series is set in a situation where a Telugu boy is married to a Hindi-speaking Delhi girl. The content involves a fair bit of Hindi, which may or may not have worked for television. In my life, Rajeev was lucky to find a Malayalam girl who knew Telugu,” she laughs.
Rajiv adds that there have been certain roles in films where he wanted to go beyond his screen time. “This is a platform that might fulfil such a possibility. It's important to ideate stories and content that'll mirror the thoughts of the younger generation. At the end of the day, you would want to promote talent and work that ensures soul satisfaction.”
Rajiv and Suma are delighted with the initial response to the channel. Rajiv says the short film The Date that discusses the need to do away with mobiles to maintain civic sense on the roads, is close to his heart. He adds,“ Thagubothu versus Pellams (that starred Swapna and Phani), Moguds versus Pellams were tid-bits that entertained audiences too. We're trying to touch different genres in the process, from innovation to comedy to content with a certain message. This is an unexpected turn in my life, like how I found Suma. She has been instrumental in taking big strides with the production house.”
They understand comedy and horror works great for Youtube viewers. “Just as we came up with shows like E Junction and many more in the pipeline for television, there's no doubt about social media as a potent avenue too,” says Suma, adding that there’s a possibility for her to act in a few episodes on their channel.
No hurry
The couple are in no hurry to finalise scripts and concepts. Does the web channel signal a move towards film production? “May or maybe not. Films require a lot more planning, finances and other pressures. Let's see how it goes,” they sign off.
An independent effort
‘Alanati Ramachandrudu,’ the first independent film on JujubiTV, whose premiere was held recently, marks the second outing of director Sandeep Mendi, who had also made a short film Nawab earlier. The one-hour long film will focus on a character's aspiration to become a director and how he witnesses the transformation of the film industry as he turns old. The film that stars Prawin, Sreemukhi will be released on the channel soon.
