Chandrasekhar Yeleti’s renowned ability to pen complex and intellectual screenplays will be seen to advantage in his upcoming film Check.
“That’s my forte, says the filmmaker. Sharing that the movie is a semi-biographical one, Yeleti says, “The film is about an abandoned prisoner (played by Nithiin), and how his life takes a new turn once he starts playing chess. I heard that a guy in the US played chess while being sentenced, so there’s an intense emotional drama that surrounds the protagonist.”
For someone who has been in the industry for 18 years, isn’t it surprising that he has made only seven films, we ask. “That’s because I take my own sweet own time to write. But once I begin the shooting, I wrap it up quickly,” says the Anukokunda Oka Roju helmer. He admits, however, that he has himself often felt that he should have made more films. “Films are a coming together of several people and circumstances, so things don’t always fall in place,” the Aithe helmer says.
Thanks to his achievements in the past, there are high expectations surrounding his films, but Yeleti points out that living up to expectations is always challenging.
“Constantly living up to the audiences’ expectations is challenging and is only possible for a few filmmakers. Unfortunately, I am not there in that club,” he says ruefully.
“I have the disadvantage of not being branded a commercial filmmaker. But there are audiences and producers who appreciate my brand of films,” he notes, adding that he would soon start making more films.
The filmmaker says life in the film world has taught him a lot. “There have been bouquets and brickbats, I have seen it all. But what I have realised is that box office success is crucial for a director’s success. You will be judged on the basis of the box office,” he asserts.
