New foray into a familiar world

Tamil director Priya V is foraying into the Kannada film industry with a yet-to-be-titled project which has actors Radhika Pandit and Nirup Bhandari playing interesting characters.

Calling it a character-driven script, Priya says that the movie’s story has been on her mind for a while now and has developed over a period of time.

She admits that she is more than excited because she has also seen how well similar projects have been received in the Kannada film industry and adds that there is nothing more encouraging than the support of actors and the producer. “Radhika and Nirup found the project to be a very different one. The film is produced by Rockline Venkatesh who had no issue when it came to the budget,” adds Priya.

Although Priya hasn’t worked in the Kannada
industry till now, she was impressed after watching films like ‘U-Turn’, ‘Kirik Party’ and ‘Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu’. She found them to be very different from the usual commercial films. “These three films have a different feel and finish to them. They had a unique style of storytelling and the subject is relevant and relatable to present times,” says Priya.

Priya has a large body of work in the Tamil film industry. Some of the notable projects that she has written and directed in Tamil include feature film ‘Kannaamoochi Yenada’ and ‘Kanda Naal Mudhal’ produced by Prakash Raj. Priya as also written the story and co-written the screenplay and dialogue for ‘Mitr’ which was directed by Revathy Menon. Sharing her experience of working with Prakash Raj, Priya says, “He is a great actor and as a producer, he has a very sensible and sensitive approach to filmmaking. He takes active interest in all aspects of filmmaking, whether acting, direction or production.”

Priya, who has worked as an assistant to Mani Ratnam and Suhasini in projects like ‘Dil Se’, ‘Iruvar’ and ‘Indira’, says that the experience of working with them has made her a more confident person. She says “The best part about working with Mani Ratnam and Suhasini is that they get you involved in every aspect of filmmaking and the experience that I have gained after working with them has helped me evolve as a director. He always told me that I should use my experience and knowledge to make good films.”

Priya says being a woman has only made her job easier. “I have not faced not problem because of my gender. In today’s world, the script takes precedence over gender. Women directors are just as good as their male counterparts,” says Priya.