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Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his emotionally resonant Telugu films like Malli Raava and Jersey, discusses his latest film, Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda. The interview takes place at Sithara Entertainments' office in Hyderabad, following the film's release. Tinnanuri expresses relief at the completion of the two-year journey and anticipates taking time to assess his satisfaction with the final product. He acknowledges the overwhelming nature of the release period. One of the significant challenges during Kingdom's production was the intermittent pauses due to Vijay Deverakonda's work on other projects. However, Tinnanuri states that these breaks proved beneficial, allowing him and his team to refine the narrative and eliminate unnecessary repetitions. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the core story and ensuring its relevance throughout the delayed production period. The film's two-part structure was a deliberate choice from the outset, intended to provide adequate space for the development of multiple characters and subplots. Tinnanuri reveals that the promotional strategy was designed to gradually reveal different facets of the protagonist and the various subplots, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the film's scope. He draws a comparison to his previous work, Jersey, noting that Kingdom underwent numerous iterations and drafts due to the complexity of weaving together multiple storylines. The director underscores the critical importance of each subplot working effectively to support the overall narrative and emotional impact of the film. He prioritizes originality in his filmmaking, consciously avoiding any replication of scenes from existing works. If any similarities are identified by his team, he promptly rewrites the relevant sections. Tinnanuri admits to being hesitant to watch his films in theaters, recounting a negative experience during a screening of Malli Raava. He reveals that he had initially pitched Malli Raava to Vijay Deverakonda before Sumanth was cast. The director maintains that he does not tailor scripts to suit specific actors or market demands, prioritizing the integrity of the story and its emotional connection with the audience. He acknowledges the contribution of production designer Avinash Kolla and cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T John in creating Kingdom's visual palette. He explains that he has a clear vision of shot divisions, visual texture, and music during the writing process but relies on the cinematographers to bring that vision to life. Tinnanuri highlights the use of real locations in filming, emphasizing their positive impact on actors' performances and the overall authenticity of the film. Furthermore, Tinnanuri reveals that he has quietly completed another film titled Magic, a musical featuring new and young actors and with music by Anirudh Ravichander. This project is expected to be released soon. Before embarking on Kingdom 2, Tinnanuri intends to take a break and work on a different film, citing Vijay Deverakonda's commitments to other projects and his own need for a fresh perspective after being deeply invested in Kingdom for an extended period.
The interview delved into the meticulous process behind crafting 'Kingdom,' shedding light on the director's unwavering commitment to originality and narrative depth. Gowtam Tinnanuri articulated a philosophy that prioritized the story above all else, even when faced with the allure of catering to specific actors or market trends. This commitment to authenticity resonated throughout the conversation, underscoring his artistic integrity. The decision to present 'Kingdom' as a two-part saga was not merely a stylistic choice, but a calculated move to ensure that each character and subplot received its due attention. Tinnanuri's vision extended beyond the surface level, aiming to create a multi-layered cinematic experience that would resonate with audiences on a deeper emotional level. The comparison to 'Chatrapathi,' while flattering, served as a reminder of Tinnanuri's ambition to forge his own path in the industry, creating unique and unforgettable stories. His aversion to replicating existing works demonstrated a fierce determination to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting legacy. The director's reluctance to watch his films in theaters was a testament to his vulnerability as an artist, highlighting the emotional investment he poured into each project. His collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda, although ultimately resulting in 'Kingdom,' showcased his ability to recognize talent and adapt his vision to suit the strengths of the actors involved. The emphasis on the visual palette of 'Kingdom' underscored the importance of collaboration between the director, production designer, and cinematographers. Tinnanuri's detailed description of the creative process offered a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution that went into bringing his vision to life. The use of real locations, rather than relying solely on VFX, added another layer of authenticity to the film, enhancing the actors' performances and immersing the audience in the story. The revelation of 'Magic,' a musical project undertaken alongside 'Kingdom,' demonstrated Tinnanuri's versatility as a filmmaker, showcasing his ability to explore different genres and cater to diverse audiences. His decision to take a break before embarking on 'Kingdom 2' reflected a commitment to maintaining his artistic integrity and ensuring that each project received his undivided attention. The overall tone of the interview was one of humility and passion, underscoring Tinnanuri's dedication to his craft and his unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.
Further enriching the understanding of Gowtam Tinnanuri's filmmaking approach is his perspective on adapting to unforeseen challenges during production. The pauses in Kingdom's filming schedule, while potentially disruptive, were strategically utilized to refine the script and ensure the story's enduring relevance. This adaptability highlights a key strength of Tinnanuri's directorial style: the ability to transform obstacles into opportunities for improvement. His emphasis on originality is not merely a superficial desire to avoid imitation; it stems from a deeper conviction that genuine storytelling requires a unique voice and perspective. By consciously rejecting shortcuts and actively seeking to create something new, Tinnanuri strives to deliver cinematic experiences that are both memorable and meaningful. The two-part structure of Kingdom reflects a broader trend in contemporary cinema, but Tinnanuri's rationale for adopting this format is rooted in the specific needs of his story. He recognizes that certain narratives demand a more expansive canvas to fully develop their characters and themes. The carefully orchestrated promotional campaign for Kingdom underscores the importance of strategic communication in modern filmmaking. By gradually revealing different aspects of the film, Tinnanuri and his team sought to pique the audience's curiosity and generate anticipation for the full story. Tinnanuri's willingness to acknowledge the influence of his collaborators, particularly the cinematographers and production designer, demonstrates his understanding of filmmaking as a collaborative art form. He recognizes that a director's vision is only as strong as the team that helps bring it to life. The decision to film in real locations reflects a commitment to realism and authenticity, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Tinnanuri's exploration of the musical genre with Magic showcases his versatility as a filmmaker and his willingness to experiment with different styles and formats. His decision to take a break before embarking on Kingdom 2 is a testament to his commitment to maintaining his creative energy and ensuring that each project receives his full attention. His sincere and thoughtful approach to filmmaking, as evidenced by this interview, suggests that Gowtam Tinnanuri will continue to be a significant force in Telugu cinema for years to come.
Source: Gowtam Tinnanuri interview: ‘Kingdom’ being compared to ‘Chatrapathi’ gives me a high