I Enjoy Making Films About Real Life And Real People

In an exclusive conversation with CE, Telugu director Mohana Krishna Indraganti gives us a peek into his life. His filmmaking philosophy: Prioritise storytelling over technology

- VENNAPUSALA RAMYA

E'S one of those directors whose films you just can't get enough of. People binge-watch Mohana Krishna Indraganti's work over and over, not just for the entertainment but because his films have this uniqueness about them. But what really stands out is his simplicity, both on and off screen. He doesn't just tell stories; he makes you feel them. At a recent event, he opened up to CE about his life and passion for films.

Excerpts We know Mohana Krishna Indraganti as a great film director who has contributed films like Ashta Chamma, Sammohanam, and Gentleman. How did your journey in cinema begin?

Before my filmmaking journey began, I was a journalist and a documentary writer and filmmaker for a while. I contributed to a documentary series called Mahandhra in 1997. I earned my Master's degree in Filmmaking from York University in Toronto, Canada, and returned in 2001. In 2004, I made my first film, Grahanam, based on Gudipati Venkatachalam's short story Doshagunam. The film won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. After Grahanam, I continued making films, including my recent film Sarang Pani Jatakam, which is about to be released. So far, I have made 12 films. It's been an enriching and fulfilling journey, and I look forward to creating more interesting films.