With the buzz of anticipation hanging in the air, director Sailesh Kolanu sits down for an interview, having just completed the final touches on his Telugu film ‘Saindhav’, which is slated for release in theaters on January 13. The film, headlined by Venkatesh Daggubati and featuring an ensemble cast including Shraddha Srinath, child prodigy Ssara Palekar, the versatile Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ruhani Sharma, Arya, and Andrea Jeremiah, represents Sailesh’s grandest project till now.
From Optometry to Directing: Sailesh Kolanu’s Visionary Leap
An optometrist by training, Sailesh made a remarkable leap into Telugu cinema, debuting with ‘HIT: The First Case’ and its sequel. It wasn’t long until his craftsmanship caught the eye of Venkatesh Daggubati, who, after watching ‘HIT 2’, initiated a conversation that would lead to their collaboration. Kolanu, who had originally planned a detour toward a romance drama, found himself connecting with Venkatesh on a philosophical level. This bond paved the way for Sailesh to boldly pitch his story ‘Saindhav’.
The Heartrending Inspiration Behind ‘Saindhav’
The inception of ‘Saindhav’ transpired during the global lockdown, inspired by a young boy in dire need of treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, an endeavor costing a staggering ₹17 crore. The film’s narrative revolves around a father’s desperate plight to acquire this sum to save his daughter’s life – a storyline Sailesh felt was perfect for Venkatesh’s 75th film milestone.
Chandraprastha: A Fictional City with Real-World Resonance
To complement the film’s intricate plot, involving ammunition and a drug cartel, the story unfolds within the confines of a fictional port city named Chandraprastha, steering clear from the peaceful nuances of Visakhapatnam. Sailesh crafted a nuanced approach to the city’s characterization, aligning it with the film’s more intense and gritty themes.
Venkatesh’s Acting Approach: Subtlety Over Spectacle
With Venkatesh at the helm, an actor of 37 years’ experience, Sailesh provided a distinct directive: he wanted Venkatesh to emote mainly through his eyes, rather than through overt physicality. This unique approach was critical to conveying the character’s transformation as a protective father facing a harrowing dilemma.
The Enigmatic Past of ‘SaiKo’
A compelling element of ‘Saindhav’ is Venkatesh’s character, affectionately dubbed ‘SaiKo’—a clever spin from Sailesh’s own nickname. The film’s trailer teases that SaiKo has a history that could resurface, inviting speculation and stirring mystery.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui: The Intriguing Adversary
Nawazuddin Siddiqui augments the film’s intrigue by serving as the antagonist, drawing admiration for his decision to dub his lines in Telugu himself, despite playing a character who fumbles with the language, introducing an additional layer of authenticity and charm to the film.
The Visuals and Music: Crafting the Ambience
Collaborating with cinematographer Manikandan for the fourth time, Sailesh ensured that ‘Saindhav’ carries a unique visual palette that resonates with its edgy storyline, dominantly set in the shadows of the night. The music composition was entrusted to Santhosh Narayanan, whose adeptness at balancing tension, emotion, and drama through his music has been proven time and again.
Behind the Scenes: The Directorial Journey
Sailesh reflects on directing ‘Saindhav’ as a duty beyond mere creativity, viewing it as people management and problem-solving. His unceasing focus was fortified by the trust Venkatesh placed in him, driving him through the film’s development.
As the curtains are set to rise for ‘Saindhav’, the film carries the weight of its director’s aspirations and his cast’s profound dedication. Sailesh Kolanu’s latest cinematic endeavor is now ready for its impending judgment day as audiences flock to theatres to witness the emotional action thriller that has been crafted with equal measures of passion and precision.
