After trying out fantasy, sports, comedy and thriller genres, Telugu film director Indraganti Mohana Krishna’s next film, which is all set to release on Amazon Prime, belongs, in his own words, to the “MAD” genre—Mystery Action Drama. For a director, who is known to make realistic movies with characters that are easily relatable in everyday life, it is challenging to portray a serial killer that will look and feel real as per his signature style. The plot in ‘V’ revolves around a cop and a serial killer played by actor Nani and Sudheer Babu. “I studied a lot about serial killers and forensic science. I met cops and went through past cases. I wanted the lives of the characters to be as authentic as possible. I watched shows like Mindhunter too.”
The story of ‘V’ was ready in 2006, according to Mohana, but due to lack of finances, the project could not take off. To suit the present-day environment and the taste of today’s audience, minor elements were incorporated and the characters were embellished. As the movie is all set to be released at midnight of September 4, 14 years after he dreamt of the project, the director says, “There is no distraction if the movie gets released at 12am. I want the audience the grab popcorn and watch the movie and come out with a feeling that will remain with them.”
The movie was to be released in March but due to the pandemic and the lockdown, the producers decided to release it on OTT platform. The movie also stars Aditi Rao Hydari and Nivetha Thomas.
Talking of OTT platforms, Mohana feels that, for a mainstream filmmaker, it is a different ball game.
“OTT cannot tolerate gimmick. Distraction is a part of OTT viewing. The films should accommodate distraction and for that you should write differently. This platform is an acid test for your writing abilities. “
He said at some point he wants to make content exclusively for OTT in ‘dark’ genre.
After more than a decade and half in the industry, Mohana’s name is still not attached to the mainstream commercial directors of Tollywood. “I am glad I am not counted among one. For me what matters is that I should have the freedom to follow my artistic choices and the audience should respect my work. ‘V’ will not insult the audience.”
Mohana’s lead characters are a different set of heroes, unlike the ones seen regularly on the silver screen.
“For me, a hero can be in the next apartment. I am more interested in the person next door. The realistic quotient is high in my movies since I like my characters rooted in reality.”
The movie is written by Mohana and produced by Dil Raju.
