Another female director is making her debut in Tollywood. Vani Kosaraju, a graduate in English Literature from Vijayawada, is directing a film titled Marala Telupuna Priya. Vani has always been passionate about films, though her family doesn’t support her. “My family is against me entering the film industry. They say it’s not a wise career to choose. I decided to do what I want,” says Vani. “Once the film was completed, they all turned very supportive,” she adds.
“I have never been treated in a wrong way in the industry and everyone respects me a lot. People have a wrong view about the industry. But, I think it’s a very creative world with so many opportunities to explore,” she says. Vani hails from a writer-family. She is a granddaughter of the famous writer Kosaraju Raghavaiah. Vani too has written novels and short stories before entering the film industry. “The film Marala Telupuna Priya was published in a weekly magazine in the year 2008. It was appreciated by many, so I wanted to make a film on it,” reveals Vani.
“I pursued a crash course in directing at Akkineni International School. They gave me an opportunity to shoot a few real scenes and that’s how I learnt the basics of filmmaking,” she says. She has directed short films Love At Golconda and Porapatu, before receiving the big break.
Interestingly, she didn’t take any remuneration for her film. “I didn’t take any money, as it is my debut film. I will take my fee only if the film becomes a commercial hit,” she says. Directing is a challenging role according to her. “Coordinating with hundreds of people is not an easy task. But, I take it as a challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting for my debut film,” she says.
Prince Cecil and Vyoma Nandi will play the lead roles. Prince is an experienced actor, with seven films to his credit. Whereas, it’s Vyoma’s debut in the film industry. “I was looking for a fresh face and I happened to see Vyoma’s portfolio. I immediately felt she was perfect for the role,” says Vani. The film has been shot in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
