What is your background?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: Earlier, I directed films like Saadhyam, Vasool Raja, and Lakshmi Bomb. This is my first project featuring newcomers in the lead roles. Since the story is based on a real-life incident, I wanted to present it in a highly realistic and natural way.
What is the story of “Doordarshini”?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: The movie revolves around the conflict between parents’ choices, society’s expectations, and the personal choices made by children. The film will strongly connect with people who grew up during the Chitralahari era. It recreates the excitement and emotions people experienced while eagerly waiting for the Chitralahari program in the 1990s. Though many may think it is just a love story, the movie carries deep emotional layers that will resonate with youth, parents, and families alike. It takes audiences back to the golden memories of village life and the emotional atmosphere of that period.
Recently, a film titled “Thimmarajupalli TV” was released. Will there be similarities between the two films?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: There is absolutely no connection between the stories of the two films. Doordarshini is a complete emotional drama. The father-son emotions and the emotional depth throughout the film will strongly move audiences.
It is being said that the movie is inspired by the life story of a man begging in Arunachalam. Is that true?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: Yes, the film is inspired by a real incident that happened in Andhra Pradesh. The person connected to this story is currently living in Arunachalam. When we spoke to him, he shared several incidents from his life, and those experiences became the foundation for this movie. The story explores why an elderly man eventually ended up begging because of circumstances involving his own son.
Will the film be realistic, or have you added cinematic exaggeration?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: The film contains very little cinematic exaggeration. We wanted to keep it as realistic as possible. Since the story is set in a village backdrop, audiences will feel like they are reliving village life from the 1990s. The film will definitely bring back many old memories.
How important is the climax in this movie?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: The climax will leave audiences thinking deeply even after they leave the theatre. The emotional impact of the film will stay with viewers for a long time. Everyone will feel satisfied after watching a meaningful and emotionally rich film.
You already revealed that the hero and heroine die in the story. Won’t that reduce curiosity?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: That is where the screenplay becomes special. Even though the story carries tragic elements, the film still delivers emotional satisfaction and a meaningful happy ending in its own unique way. The emotional bond between parents and children will strongly connect with audiences.
How are the performances of the hero and heroine?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: Working with newcomers was a wonderful experience. Both the hero and heroine delivered excellent performances, and their natural acting became one of the biggest strengths of the film. Their performances elevated the emotional impact of the story.
What is your next project?
Director Karthikeya Kommi: I will begin directing a major new project from August.
