Designer-turned-director Sai Krishna’s debut KA is a romantic entertainer, which will be the first part of an anthology featuring fresh talent. Sai, who was supposed to start with Kshemisu, had to temporarily shelve the project because the producers of the film backed out in the last minute.
“I had prepared a team and even a workshop had been completed for the new film, but then everything went awry. I went into depression as they were no investors coming forward for a film that starred newcomers. However, I did not give up and went forward with another film, KA, in which some technicians, distributor Jayanna and my family have invested,” explains Sai, adding, “They say the first journey is always difficult, but my path was not just difficult, it was tough. This is why I preferred not to announce anything about KA until its audio release. The posters have surprised everybody as it has pictures of technicians like choreographer Murali Master and music composer, K A Ganesh Narayanan on it and not those of actors. I thought that was the only way I could thank them. Though my father Sai Kumar is a well-known director, his financial position is not good. My mother supported me a lot as did the entire team.”
KA is about love and has 30 artistes in its cast. “Except for Sundarashree, a veteran actor, all others will debut with KA including a 65 -year-old person. The workshop we conducted helped me spot strengths and weaknesses of each person in the team. I also had five days of script rehearsals which made it easier for the actors to give the final take. I have retained their voices while dubbing too,” says Sai.
The song Kokanaka Makaka from the film has already become popular. “Kokanaka Makaka has been composed and sung using two notes - Sa and Pa, and the lyrics have been written by Suhas and Kishore,” he explains.
“This journey has only taught me to never give up. I will find a producer and I will get going with Kshemisu after KA releases,” he says.