Multifaceted filmmaker Karthik Gattamneni stands at the confluence of creativity and technical expertise in the film industry. In an era where specialization is often the norm, he merges the roles of writer, director, cinematographer, and editor into one harmonious symphony of filmmaking. His latest venture is the eagerly awaited Telugu film “Eagle,” which sees him wearing multiple hats with ease. Karthik’s talent is complemented by a team of intuitive collaborators who seamlessly align with his vision, thereby streamlining the entire filmmaking process.
As the release of “Eagle,” headlined by Ravi Teja, approaches its February 9th debut, Karthik projects an aura of tranquility amidst the bustling activity of his Manikonda, Hyderabad office. With the postproduction phase culminating, the extra time afforded by a delayed release—originally set for Sankranti but pushed back at the bequest of industry stakeholders—has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has allowed for the enhancement of sound and visual effects; on the other, it has amplified the director’s own anxiety due to prolonged immersion in the same footage.
The upcoming film promises a distinctive narrative style, inspired by the legendary Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon.” “Eagle” weaves a complex tapestry of perspectives around Ravi Teja’s central character, each viewpoint unveiling new facets and intrigue. The film diverges from “Rashomon” by incorporating a character, played by Anupama Parameswaran, whose role as a reporter is to assemble the disparate narratives into a cohesive whole. The ingenuity of storytelling, as how different characters could retell the same core story, fascinates Karthik.
At the crux of “Eagle” is Ravi Teja’s portrayal of a middle-aged man shrouded in mystery, with a past that guides his involvement in a globally significant issue. This enigmatic protagonist’s keen abilities lend themselves to the film’s title. Karthik underscores that while initial impressions of people can sometimes be misleading, “Eagle” does not trace the dramatic arc of a drug lord—the idea that sparked during research on a true story.
The creative process behind “Eagle” began during the pandemic-spurred hiatus from film shoots. Karthik, alongside Manibabu Karanam, crafted the story and screenplay amidst uncertainty about the potential cast. Open to feedback, he espouses the evolutionary nature of writing, musing about the infinite possibilities had different choices been made during the writing process.
On set, Karthik’s dual perspective as a director and editor allowed for dynamic decision-making, whether trimming redundant dialogues or ensuring scenes conveyed their intended message. His editing mind often foresees what’s extraneous, preferring to let visuals and sounds speak when words falter.
The cinematographic tasks on “Eagle” became a relay, divided between Karthik, Kamil Plocki from Poland, and Karm Chawla, as scheduling conflicts arose. In response to changing circumstances, Karthik adapted and took the reins when necessary. Despite the challenges, meticulous pre-filming preparations with actors like Vinay Rai and Anupama ensured a depth of understanding for their roles. Conversely, Ravi Teja’s spontaneity brought an unanticipated intensity to the film that even he couldn’t articulate post-performance.
“Eagle” encapsulates an action drama, with carefully orchestrated sequences from international and local talents. In-depth planning, including musical contributions from composer DavZand, resulted in action scenes that are consciously balanced to maintain engagement without overburdening the audience with relentless high-octane action.
Reflecting on his journey from engineer to filmmaker and Mindscreen Film Institute alumnus, Karthik has constantly sought diversity in cinematic experiences. His directorial debut “Surya Vs Surya” in 2015 paved the way, yet his openness to collaboration across different filmmaking disciplines continued unabated.
Looking to the future, Karthik teases a mythological fantasy drama project. He remains prepared to undertake cinematography for other ventures and is keen on reviving Pondfreaks Entertainment, an incubator for short films that honed his early creative endeavors.
As “Eagle” anticipates touching down on screens, Karthik Gattamneni stands at the precipice of another milestone in his career—a career characterized by a perpetual hunger for learning and a dedication to storytelling through the multifarious lenses of the cinematic arts.
