In the largely male-dominated film industry, the name Roopa Rao shines brightly. An accomplished writer, director, and producer, Rao has defied the norms. Initially working as a project manager at Infosys, she took a daring leap when she left her IT job to dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking. Her foray into cinema began with the 2016 web-series “The Other Love Story.”
Following the web-series, Rao achieved notable success with the Kannada film “Gantumoote” in 2019. The film, which explores the pressures of academic excellence, received significant acclaim. Not only did Roopa write and direct “Gantumoote,” but she also produced it alongside Sahadev Kelavadi, the film’s cinematographer.
Fast forward to 2023, Sahadev Kelavadi has now made a significant directorial debut with “Kenda,” Roopa Rao’s third project as a producer. The film had its first screening at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival in New Delhi this April, where Sahadev was honored with the Dada Saheb Phalke Best Debut Director Award.
“I’m thrilled about the win for ‘Kenda’,” Roopa exclaims exuberantly, while navigating the bustling traffic in Bengaluru en route to a Hindi film shoot she is executive producing. Though she is tight-lipped about the project, she shares that the team is just five days into filming.
The win, Roopa believes, is more than just an accolade. “It reaffirms that we are on the right path and telling the right stories,” she asserts, adding that the award has spurred them to create more impactful films.
Roopa and Sahadev’s camaraderie is built on over a decade of collaboration. They have shared a mutual understanding and appreciation for storytelling since they first crossed paths. “Sahadev has been narrating the story of ‘Kenda’ since we met. I was deeply familiar with the narrative and his vision for its cinematic portrayal,” Roopa reveals.
Their partnership, according to Roopa, flourishes because of their shared yet distinct thought processes. Co-founding Ameyukti Studios, the duo was convinced that “Gantumoote” would be their first film and “Kenda” their subsequent venture. “We collaborated intensely on the script of ‘Kenda’, and I was confident in Sahadev’s unique and sensitive perspective, qualities that vividly translated on screen,” Roopa explains.
Roopa takes immense pride in “Kenda,” describing it as a film reflecting reality. “The film is a satire and slice of life, mirroring society. It’s a relatable tale, something everyone has encountered at some point,” she points out.
According to Roopa, “Kenda” portrays the life of a young hoodlum. “Rowdy behavior exists on a spectrum. There are those who incite fear by throwing stones and those who go as far as killing.
. ‘Kenda’ is about a young troublemaker who employs violence to terrify society.”
Roopa has a penchant for offbeat subjects. “These issues are all around us, yet no one seems to discuss them. Cinema is a powerful medium to narrate such stories engagingly,” she reflects. Raised with a deep love for cinema, Roopa believes that films are a potent form of expression, far superior to books in her personal experience. “While narratives in rural areas might be through Harikathe, every form has its audience, but we often cater only to one segment,” she muses.
Roopa’s venture into films felt inevitable. “The desire to make films was so intense that I couldn’t ignore it. I left my job in my late 20s, knowing I would regret not exploring cinema. It was a leap of faith, and I’ve never looked back,” she recounts.
Roopa sees the world as her stage, unconfined by geographic boundaries. “If a story resonates with me, I want to bring it to life as a film. If I can’t, I want to support those who can,” she declares.
Sahadev Kelavadi on his part is exhilarated by his debut win. “The international jury, composed of various experts including writers, editors, directors, and critics, recognized our film. While we are thrilled, we also wonder how the audience will receive it,” he says.
“Kenda” also introduced Ritwik Kaikini, son of lyricist Jayanth Kaikini, as the music composer. The cast includes actors like BV Bharath, Pranav Sridhar, Vinod Susheela, Gopalakrishna Deshapande, Sachin Srinath, Bindu Raxidi, Sharath Gowda, and Sathish Kumar. The film is currently under the lens of the censor board, with Sahadev hopeful there won’t be significant cuts.
Despite the director often being the face of the film, Sahadev dedicates the award to the entire “Kenda” team. “This would not have been possible without the collective passion of the actors, technicians, and Roopa. Although the crew has moved on to other projects, they’ll always be connected to ‘Kenda’,” he asserts.
The award has boosted Sahadev’s confidence and brought new opportunities. “Though nothing is concrete yet, the road has not been devoid of challenges. The experience from ‘Gantumoote’ has been valuable in overcoming hurdles during the making of ‘Kenda’,” Sahadev acknowledges. He emphasizes that despite the accolades, one must always strive for continual self-improvement.
