June 23, 2008

When a movie clicks, it becomes the lucky child to any debut producer. If it turns otherwise, it would appear to him in its ugliest forms. This is all about Chandra Siddarth, one of the few artistic directors of modern Tollywood. The captain continued treading the unbeaten path, further ahead, after Aa Naluguru and Madhumasam. His belief in non-formulaic content and its treatment, semi-fantasy or realistic, saw a new vent through Tabu's starrer Idhi Sangathi. Four months after its release, the ghost of the film still clings to him like the ruthless old man on Sindbad's back. The bone of contention is that Chandra Siddarth turned into producer with the film. Here's a thin layer of his feelings, post the release of the film.

"I took it up like my dream project. Why, why it happened like this? Something came out, but I am still not able to believe this. I can't question the audience taste. But, a section of the media was cruel towards my film. Why can't they invite novelty, when it really comes?" he felt emotional, yet gently controlling it.

"The film was shot in complete digital process, first time in the country. I would have felt happy had at least a couple of the good things in movie got highlighted. In my heart of hearts, I know, and everybody knows. The film is not that much bad. Is it? Then, why such a rejection? I am vexed. If it was some other person, he would not be in a position to withstand this misfortune. It proved sleepless nights and much heart-pinching, leave alone the financial loss. This is all yet an experience to me…just part of life. By God's grace, I could reconcile to what had happened."

Undaunted, Chandra Siddartha says, "All this will not shake my belief in non-formulaic material for film making.I have immense faith in audience." He is currently on a project, which offers good scope for new comers.