Years ago, when Pattabhi R Chilukuri was studying MBA in Pune, he would pass by Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and think he would have been there had he pursued his dream of entering cinema. Films have always been Pattabhi’s first love. Back then, he had second thoughts on cinema as a career since the industry was perceived to be disorganised. “I didn’t want to let down my family,” he reflects. He completed MBA and worked in the corporate sector. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t happy with his job.
When Nagesh Kukunoor’s Hyderabad Blues (1998) released, something in him stirred. He felt he should take the leap of faith someday. “I also had multiple interests,” says Pattabhi who has years of experience in the hospitality industry.
It’s been a long journey towards his debut production and directorial Kaadhali , slated to release this month. Pattabhi had written a few other scripts that require larger budgets. He put them on the back burner and decided to begin with a simpler, smaller film.
Kaadhali is a triangular love story starring Pooja Doshi, Harish Kalyan and Sai Ronak. “We don’t come across too many Telugu films with one girl and two boys,” observes Pattabhi.
A little earlier, Pattabhi and executive producer Anand Ranga allowed me to preview a few song sequences. A striking quality was the aesthetics of the production. One of the actors remarked how the director wanted every song, including a pathos number, to look appealing on screen. For some reason, the 90s hit Kadhal Desam ( Prema Desam ) rang a bell.
When I discuss this with Pattabhi, he affirms, “ Kadhal Desam was a huge influence in my growing years.” But he was conscious to not let that weigh on this film. “ Kadhal Desam is about friendship; Kaadhali is a love story,” he adds.
Narrating a story from the girl’s point of view came about when he brought in real life observations. His wife and friends had also pointed out that films that had a good character for its leading lady more often than not ended up being successful. “The other, larger films I had written were from a male perspective. For this film I felt it would be ideal to put the woman in the forefront,” says Pattabhi.
A still from Kaadhali
It took Pattabhi a few months to finalise the cast. He chanced upon Harish Kalyan’s photographs and admits he wasn’t initially keen. However, his perception changed when he watched the actor’s Tamil film Vil Ambu . Now, having worked with Harish, an impressed Pattabhi says, “He is mature for his age (26) probably because he began his career quite young. There’s a certain restraint in his acting. He is talented and has the right attitude, which is rare to find.” Pooja Doshi and Sai Ronak were chosen after auditions.
Friends turned collaborators
When Pattabhi decided to embark on his first production and directorial, his long time associates stepped forward. He expresses gratitude to cinematographer Shekar V Joseph, editor Marthand K Venkatesh and art director Vivek Annamalai who walked the extra mile for him. One of his friends also suggested music director Prasen Praveen Shyam for the film.
Pattabhi’s association with producer Anand Ranga turned into collaboration. “He handled a few production aspects and gave creative inputs. I relied on his judgement while finalising the music. For instance, I wanted a party song for a situation while he felt a soothing pathos number would be appropriate. That number, Nuvvante , is my favourite song from the film,” shares Pattabhi.
Pattabhi’s energies are now focused on the film’s release. He has dreams but talks about them with reluctance. “I admire Shekar Kapur for having dealt with diverse genres in Masoom, Mr. India and Bandit Queen . My first film has to be successful, else, it wouldn’t look appropriate if I discuss the kind of films I dream of making,” signs off.
