NIZAMABAD: When Pachal Vishal decided to direct his first short film, his biggest challenge was not the camera or the script, but convincing people that a visually impaired person could be a director. Nearly a decade later, the Nizamabad resident has directed three films and is chasing an even bigger dream: a feature film.
The 30-year-old works as a lift operator at the Mother and Child Unit of the Government General Hospital (GGH), Nizamabad. Outside work, he has built a parallel career in filmmaking, directing three short films while creating content through his YouTube channel and blog, which together have around 9,000 subscribers.
His filmmaking journey began in 2017 with Adarsha Divyangulu, based on the lives of two visually impaired people. Featuring nearly 30 actors and backed by a 30-member technical team, it marked his directorial debut. He later directed Mouna Prema and Maro Prema and now hopes to make a feature film highlighting the struggles, aspirations and achievements of visually impaired people.
Cinema became more than a passion after years of overcoming barriers in education. Vishal studied up to Class 9 at a school for the visually impaired, completed his SSC at the SNESOR blind school, pursued Intermediate in Hyderabad, graduated from Dr BR Ambedkar Open University and later completed a direction course at the Telangana Film Academy.
“The biggest challenge was convincing people that a visually impaired person could direct a film,” Vishal tells TNIE. “Many laughed at me and doubted my ability. But I never lost confidence.”
Determined to prove them wrong, he financed his early films using his disability pension. Today, he says, many people voluntarily support his creative work.
Beyond cinema, Vishal holds a diploma in tabla from Gyana Saraswathi Music School, Nizamabad, and composed five songs for the album Gulf Gosa, which highlights the plight of Telangana migrants lured to Gulf countries through unauthorised recruitment agents.
While pursuing filmmaking and music, he is also preparing for the Railway Recruitment Board examinations. “Everyone has talent. Choose a field you truly love, work hard and never lose confidence. Success will follow,” he says, hoping his journey inspires others to pursue their dreams despite the odds.