Captivating the imagination of cinephiles, a recently unveiled behind-the-scenes video of the Telugu film “Gaami” has left audiences eagerly awaiting its release. Spearheaded by novice director Vidyadhar Kagita and under the aegis of producer Karthik Sabareesh, the movie has been in the making since 2018. This cinematic expedition has traversed through locales from the frosty pinnacles of the Himalayas to the stifling hamlets of South India. Headlined by actor Vishwak Sen, “Gaami,” which translates to ‘The Goal,’ is scheduled to hit the screens on March 8. This bold film endeavor, that began as a crowdfunded project, later saw backing from production conglomerate UV Creations.
Nestled in the confines of Sarathi Studios located in Hyderabad, director Vidyadhar Kagita takes a brief respite from the hustle of post-production to reflect on “Gaami” during an interview. As admirers of Telugu cinema laud him for his audacious attempt to transcend its conventional threshold, Kagita, with a benign smile, attributes the genesis of this film to what he terms his own ‘innocence, madness, and stupidity.’ It was his venture into the realm of the unknown, a decision that he now looks back on somewhat incredulously.
The narrative of “Gaami” germinated from a blend of undisclosed real-life events together with Kagita’s own fascination with mountainous landscapes. A cinematic triptych, the film weaves together three parallel storylines. Vishwak Sen, in a compelling portrayal of Shankar, grapples with his inability to experience human touch. A pursuit ensues, with Shankar’s journey from Haridwar to the Himalayas in search for a cure that champions both his physical condition and his inner metamorphosis. Alongside Sen, the film features pivotal roles played by Chandini Chowdary, MG Abhinaya, Mohammad Samad, and Harika Pedada.
Kagita, a mechanical engineering graduate from Malla Reddy Engineering College, previously showcased his directorial sensibilities through the short films “Vara” and “Vaitarani.” Producer Karthik Sabareesh, having produced “Vara,” recognized the innate potential within Kagita’s storytelling and was instrumental in the transition from short film to full-length feature.
Initially conceived as a low-budget independent venture, the film’s financial demands promptly expanded, prompting Karthik to recommend crowdfunding—a strategy that previously proved successful for the 2018 film “Manu.” The team embarked on scouting and shooting key sequences to craft a compelling crowdfunding pitch. Although Kagita remains discreet about the exact figures raised, he admits that crowdfunding covered 30 to 40% of the intended budget, with additional funding secured through a loan and support from UV Creations.
Traveling extensively for research and inspiration, Kagita’s pilgrimage to settings like Haridwar and Varanasi unveiled an unexpected determination to harmonize the distinctiveness of his script with the universal appeal of mainstream cinema. He collaborated with Pratyush Vatyam for dialogues, eventually sharing screenwriting credits due to Vatyam’s extensive contribution.
The culmination of writing that began in 2017 was a script ready for production by mid-2018. Kagita describes “Gaami” as an adventure drama, but with a unique twist on the genre’s typical formula to keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
Entering the scene is Vishwak Sen, then occupied with “Falaknuma Das”, who joined the cast following an audition. Sen, according to Kagita, not only resonated with the script but also experienced a surge in popularity over the film’s lengthened creation period.
Reflecting upon the challenges faced during production, Kagita concedes that he had perhaps naively underestimated the technical and logistical demands of capturing scenes amidst the Himalayan winters. The laborious journey to these remote locations became a yearly venture, each one yielding fresh footage that would later form the canvas of the film.
The editing phase unfolded over the course of nearly a year, with Kagita and his core team wrestling with the nuances of the 180-page script. They explored the delicate balance between subtlety and explicitness in storytelling, which in Kagita’s perspective, was akin to deciphering the cinematic language needed to convey their vision.
The tight-knit team comprised of cinematographer Vishwanath Reddy, editor Raghavendra Thirun, composer Naresh Kumaran, and other passionate contributors who resonated with Kagita’s fastidious and cinematic zeal. Their collective efforts now see “Gaami” approaching its much-anticipated conclusion.
Visual effects are another highlight within “Gaami’s” visuals, supervised by industry veterans Gianluca Fratellini and Yahor Palishchuk, whose portfolios include works like “The Lion King” (2019), “Beauty and the Beast,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2,” “Star Trek: Discovery” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” A particularly noteworthy scene involves an animated lion, carving out a spectacular moment in the film.
Stepping off the director’s chair, when questioned about the influences that sculpted his cinematic journey, Kagita recalls a childhood punctuated by film experiences such as “Devi” by Kodi Ramakrishna, “Narasimha” with Rajinikanth, and Gunasekhar’s “Bala Ramayanam.” This early encounter with visual storytelling spawned a passion that only deepened over time. The allure of mainstream films by auteurs like Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and SS Rajamouli played an integral role in shaping his approach towards cinema.
Despite the natural trepidation of his middle-class family at his unconventional career choice, Kagita’s unwavering dedication to filmmaking eventually garnered their support. The zeal that consumed him was far too potent to dismiss as a mere hobby.
As “Gaami” inches closer to its release, Kagita stands on the precipice of a journey punctuated by perseverance. The imminent completion of his maiden film stirs feelings of relief mingled with eager anticipation for the audience’s reception. Vidyadhar Kagita’s embark on “Gaami” has been more than just making a film; it has become a defining chapter of his life. A chapter whose end will leave an indelible impression on Telugu cinema and pave the way for what may come next.
