'18 Pages', starring Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupama Parameswaran, heads to the theatres on December 23. It is directed by Palnati Surya Pratap, who made his directorial debut with 'Current' (2009) and attained fame with 'Kumari 21F' (2015).
In this interview, Surya Pratap talks about working on Sukumar's story, his association with the 'Pushpa' maker, the merits of '18 Pages', and more.
'Current' was my first movie and I later joined Sukumar garu's team. Writing is my first love. Thanks to Sukumar garu, I started exploring new writing angles. 'Kumari 21F' happened that way. After that movie became a hit, I readied three subjects. But that's when I had to screen-write for 'Rangasthalam'. That project kept me busy. I enjoyed writing it as well as 'Pushpa'.
Travelling with Sukumar garu is always a pleasure. It's a great learning experience. I learned screenplay writing techquies from Sukumar garu. I was also associated with him on '1: Nenokkadine' and 'Nannaku Prematho'. I know only a fraction of what he is capable of!
When we watch a love story, we feel sad or feel happy depending on the mood of the film. '18 Pages' will immerse the audience in its conflicts, emotions, etc. Its sensibilities are distinct. If a female stranger shares her phone number with a male person, that guy is going to wait for her call eagerly throughout the day. '18 Pages' gives that kind of excitement.
You will love the characters in '18 Pages' as much as the characters love each other. We travel with Siddhu (Nikhil) and Nandini (Anupama). The audience become a part of the 18 pages of the diary that connects them.
I wrote the screenplay on the basis of Sukumar garu's story. Everyone liked the screenplay I built. I think I have brought my perspective to the lead characters. Siddhu and Nandini belong to two different worlds. Commuication between individuals is not expressive and wholesome these days. '18 Pages' raises this point. I draw situations/ideas from everyday life.
I invest a lot in character study. I design their behaviours and language meticulously. I fit the actors I get to work with into the characters. Nikhil is subtle and realistic in this film. Anupama, too, is so natural in every aspect.
'18 Pages' weaves multiple emotions. It will make the audience know themselves. There is fun, there is feel-good love and there are also thrills. The ending is not tragic. I was excited enough to cling to the subject of the movie for three years. If the story is not exciting enough, I wouldn't have managed to cling on to it for those many years. I felt adrenaline rush throughout.
Nikhil is a pan-India star now. Even after the huge success of 'Kartikeya 2', he didn't ask me to make changes.
Working for Geetha Arts was a great experience. It's an honour for any filmmaker. Working for the banner raises your stature in the film industry. Allu Aravind garu and Bunny Vasu garu plan in detail.
I have to do a film for Mythri Movie Makers. I am also committed to work for Sithara Entertainments. I have to see which of those will take off first. Mostly, it is Mythri's project next.
