In what is becoming a contentious issue in the Telugu film industry, director Naveen Medaram has gone public with his dissatisfaction over not being credited as the director for the much-anticipated period drama “Devil”. This film, starring Nandamuri Kalyan Ram alongside a talented cast that includes Samyuktha Menon, Elnaaz Norouzi, and Ajay, has become the center of a directorial credit dispute just as it is poised to make its theatrical entrance on December 29.
Initially, Medaram was set to be the film’s helmsman, steering the creative ship of “Devil”. However, to the surprise of many, Abhishek Nama, who is one of the co-producers, is now officially named as the film’s director. The change has sparked discussions in the industry, with insiders suggesting it reflects deeper disagreements between the two filmmakers.
Naveen Medaram, distressed by the developments, took to social media to express his sentiments and set the record straight regarding his role in the making of “Devil”. On his social media page, Medaram penned a heartfelt message, emphasizing the passion and dedication he invested in the film, in which he had a pivotal role from inception to nearly the complete filming process.
“I have dedicated over three years of my unwavering effort to bring ‘Devil’ movie to life,” Medaram stated emphatically. He detailed his involvement in conceptualizing the script, developing the screenplay, the careful selection of costumes and fabrics, to choosing locations and designing sets. It was a labor of love that spanned 105 shooting days across diverse locations such as Karaikudi, Vizag, and Hyderabad, with only a few days of patchwork remaining. He poignantly described the movie as “my own creation,” and “my baby,” underscoring that despite what anyone says, this film is a piece of his creative spirit.
Despite his clear disappointment, Medaram clarified that contrary to some rumors, he hasn’t pursued legal action against any party involved with the film. Instead, he opted for a more personal approach to address his disenchantment with the lack of recognition for his directorial efforts.
“Devil” promises to offer a thrilling narrative, with Nandamuri Kalyan Ram in the guise of a secret agent wrapped within an enigmatic period drama. With other notable actors like Malavika Nair, Ajay Satya, and Edward Sonnenblick rounding out the cast, audience expectations are high.
The film’s journey to the silver screen was not without obstacles; originally slated for a November release, it underwent delays, causing further anticipation among moviegoers and fans of Telugu cinema. The production, spearheaded by Abhishek Nama and Devansh Nama, eventually set its sights on a year-end release, hoping to capture the attention of holiday audiences.
As the situation stands, it remains to be seen how the credit dispute will unfold and what impact it may have on the professional relationships and reputations within the Telugu film industry. However, one thing is clear — for Naveen Medaram, “Devil” is more than just a film; it’s the embodiment of his artistic journey, a journey he passionately shared with his followers in hope of acknowledgment for his role in its creation. As “Devil” approaches its premiere, the conversation surrounding the rightful ownership of the director’s chair continues to stir the waters of the Indian cinematic landscape.
