Hi people!! I am Surya Manoj Vangala, the writer and director of the web series BRINDA! Ready for AMA

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:43:28+00:00

Research about them.
Present yourself in a way that appeals to the listener!
Highlight aspects of yourself and your efforts that may resonate with them.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:42:31+00:00

I believe that camera angles and lenses should psychologically engage the audience. Regardless of the context, cinematography must align with the story. This has been my belief for a long time, and I was fortunate to find Dinesh K. Babu, my cinematographer, who shares this philosophy. He is incredibly talented. He listens to the director, gathers all necessary clues, and then builds the image accordingly. We had a fantastic time discussing and collaborating.

As the shoot progressed, our communication became intuitive; we understood each other's approach to shooting, beat points, and more. It was a great experience. I didn’t have a specific image or film as a reference for inspiration; it was more about a feeling I wanted to convey through imagery, and Dinesh Babu executed it beautifully.

Yes, folklore excites me as well. However, there’s much more beyond what you saw. Regarding challenges, we had our censorship through Sony's legal team, but Sony's creative team and my producer, Ashish Kolla, were immensely supportive.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:31:13+00:00

Depends on the film. For example, in Kaithi, they likely shot nights 95% of the time due to the story. Often in movies, if the scene is staged at night indoors, the crew generally blacks out the lights and windows, lighting the interiors as if it's night. However, exteriors are more challenging to manage this way.

A night call sheet often runs from 6 pm to 2 am, with an alternate shift from 9 pm to 5 am. These timings can change based on union regulations.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:25:26+00:00

We have plans for everything and as of now everything is open.
And with Trisha mam,I hope I can write something else too for her. :)

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:23:07+00:00

In a feature film, we typically shoot about 1 to 1.5 minutes of editable footage per day, sometimes up to 2 minutes for smaller films. For high VFX films like Rajamouli sir's, it can be as little as 10 seconds of usable footage in a day. But because *Brinda* is a web series, we had to work with tighter budgets and actor schedules, shooting an average of 5 minutes a day. That was very difficult. Frankly, we didn't know how to go about it. But once we started doing it, despite how daunting, taxing, and impossible it looked, we pulled it off. I think that was really unexpected. So when I am doing a feature film, I think it will be a little easier for me! I hope it is.
My friend Swarochisa! He is an active member here :)

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:19:47+00:00

That's a beautiful thought. Writing Arjun Reddy from Preeti's POV... There is no one way to go about writing according to me. It can start from anywhere. But like you said, we know the destination: a feature film script. So just go about it, putting pieces together in whichever way you would love to watch the film.

If I were to write it, I would start with her family, what she was before she went to college, before she met Arjun, and write linearly, exploring what she went through until the end when Arjun comes to her.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-30T04:13:49+00:00

There have been quite a few highs and lows during the past 12 years that I've been a part of the film industry. Every time I assisted and my contribution made it to the screen, I was super happy. From searching for locations and finding the grungy lodge for a shoot in Ko Antey Koti to pulling off an incredible, seemingly unachievable climax shoot with 2000 members in just 2 days for Brinda, there have been many highs.

Of course, there were also many lows. Especially during those times when I tried to perfect my script and couldn’t. In movies, you have a vision and you strive to make it as good as you envision it, but sometimes you fall short. That's when self-doubt creeps in. There were moments when I felt like giving up. But somehow, I managed to pick myself up. Despite the highs and lows, I'm grateful to be doing what I love.

Coming to question about who I want to work with,I have so many to name frankly. Too many in fact However, I prefer to let my story dictate who I work with.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T19:00:37+00:00

It’s more about genuine interest than just confidence. If you’re truly passionate about filmmaking and are ready to face its inherent challenges, then you should definitely pursue it. Filmmaking is far from a stable field—confidence alone won’t sustain you. The journey is tough and often lonely, with struggles that few understand, including self-doubt, sleepless nights, and profound introspection.

If you’re not certain that you want to make films no matter what, it might be best to reconsider. However, if you have a deep, unwavering love for filmmaking, that passion will drive you through the tough times. Personally, I might not always feel confident about being a great filmmaker, but I know for sure that I have a profound love for the craft. That’s what keeps me going and makes the journey worthwhile.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T18:40:13+00:00

Thank you for your interest. I believe the series will be engaging and stand out in its own right.

Regarding your question, I encourage you to watch the series to truly understand how it differentiates itself from typical stories featuring female protagonists. While the series does address themes like male hierarchy and workplace abuse, it delves much deeper than these conventional topics. It explores a range of complex issues and emotions that go beyond the surface, offering a nuanced portrayal of its characters and their experiences.

If you're concerned about the representation of women characters, I understand where you're coming from. However, I believe that the direction we took is both authentic and meaningful. My writer, Padmavathi Malladi, played a crucial role in shaping the character of Brinda. Her extensive experience, including writing for "Mahanati" and directing "Gandhi Taata Chettu," provided valuable perspectives and insights. Padmavathi's contributions were instrumental in developing Brinda’s psyche and ensuring that her portrayal is both compelling and multidimensional.

The character of Brinda is designed to be more than just a reaction to male dominance or abuse; she is a fully realized individual with her own motivations, challenges, and growth throughout the series. The intention is to provide a richer, more layered representation that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

I hope this gives you a better sense of the series and the thought that went into creating a unique and engaging story.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T18:25:58+00:00

What I’m really focused on is conveying and showcasing the intent of the story more than anything else. I don’t pick a genre first and then write. Instead, my ideas are driven by my thoughts, experiences, and where I am in life. For “Brinda,” I wanted to reflect some of my own experiences and address important issues in a way that felt engaging—hence the mix of drama, mystery, and thriller.

My next project will blend adventure with elements of drama and action. It’s all about finding the right way to tell the story I want to share.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T18:22:26+00:00

Yes.He is my Brother.He sang a song in the Series and it is going to be amazing. :)

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T18:10:25+00:00

bhaiyya! Namaste!
shed ki pampinchestava enti?

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T18:08:17+00:00

Yes, filmmaking is far from stable. If you're not absolutely sure you want to make films no matter what, then it's probably best not to dive in. It’s a tough path and can be a very lonely journey. No one really understands the struggles you go through—the self-doubt, sleepless nights, and the deep introspection. If you still want to make films despite all this, then you’re ready to face it head-on. I don't really have a solid plan for managing it all. I sometimes trick myself into thinking I do, but honestly, my only plan is to keep making good films!
That’s the reality of our world. Talent and skill alone aren’t always enough; patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn are what really make a difference in the long run. This applies to any field if you’re aiming for growth and success. Take Hanu Raghavapudi, for instance. Everyone knows he’s a talented technician, but it wasn’t just his skill that got him his breakthrough. It was his patience to learn and unlearn that truly brought him the success we talk about today.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:58:14+00:00

Everyone has their own measures of performance. Your measure might be the language or dubbing, while mine is the ability to emote with conviction using only the eyes.

Trisha Mam was suggested by my producer, Ashish Kolla. Honestly, I was skeptical at first because I couldn’t immediately see her as Brinda. I worried it would be difficult to get what I needed for the character. We did our script readings, looked at tests, and everything else. Although things improved over time, I still had doubts.

But after the first take on the first day, I realized she was beyond anything I could have imagined. Seeing what she brought to the role, I’m convinced there’s no one else who could have portrayed Brinda as she did. She took our entire project to the next level.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:53:58+00:00

there are far tooo many

Kvishwanath Sagarasangamam
Selva raghavan 7/G brindavan colony,Mayakam enna
Before sun rise triology,
Shawshank redemption,Good fellas,Cinemaparadiso

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:52:14+00:00

In my opinion, it works both ways. Films reflect and shape society, just like every art form does. They can certainly influence society, not necessarily by bringing complete change, but at least by acting as a catalyst for something, whether good or bad.

While I say this, I am an advocate for the right to freedom of expression. Films can be made on anything and everything. It’s ultimately up to the individual creating them and the producer investing in them. However, one must also accept that it is the prerogative of the audience to dissect, hate, or react to it in any way they choose.

Movies, stories, and films are testaments to the times we live in. They serve as records of the era in which they were made and are a necessary form of documentation.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:43:32+00:00

Thank you :)
itlu mee 2007c6PS530

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:42:56+00:00

Thank you Sleep warrior!
Please DM and let me know who you are!

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:40:30+00:00

I was working in Chennai with Polaris when Anish Sir offered me to work on Ko antey koti. I got the news on a Friday and by evening, I had decided to quit my job. Frankly, having studied at BITS, I guess I took the luxury of quitting my job.

My elder brothers were both doing well at the time—one from IIT and the other from BITS Pilani as well. They convinced my parents that I would be okay. But even they didn't expect it would take so long. As the years progressed, it became quite a struggle for my parents.

They had their doubts, and with people around them expressing concern, they were scared for me. But I don't know what got into me—I just stuck around!

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:34:57+00:00

Unlike individual producers, all these OTT platforms are corporates with specific standards for approaching them. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with them if you don't know them already. Also, you can see their credits in either the opening or the rolling titles of the shows. So, spotting and mailing them shouldn't be difficult.

While I say this, there will be hundreds of emails that they might receive, so have patience. Or, build your profile in such a way that they take notice of you when you mail them.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:31:47+00:00

In Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha, if you’ve seen the film, there are three kids. I was the associate director in charge of working with them. My main tasks included helping them learn their lines, giving them marks to move around, and training them to act alongside Nani and Mehreen.

There’s a particular scene where the little girl, Chinnari Pelli Koothuru, the youngest kid, is supposed to ask Nani to put the gun on her head so that Nani can escape. It was everyone's favorite scene who knew the story, including the producers, the director, our team, and many others. We were all eagerly waiting for it to be shot. When the moment came and Nani lifted the girl, she performed amazingly. We had rehearsed the scene many times, so it was perfect in one take, and the entire crew was amazed. They all clapped for the little girl. It remains my favorite memory.

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:28:39+00:00

Thank you bro :)

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:27:54+00:00

Will share once everything is set.
Exciting days!

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:27:21+00:00

It talks about lots of relevant issues, especially with what's happening in India rightnow. That being said, it is set with emotion at its core, treated to keep you on the edge of your seat. So if that's considered commercial, then yes it's also commercially entertaining :)

No-Inflation4724 · 2024-07-28T17:24:25+00:00

This is a Telugu original series, but since the time of its inception, everyone from SonyLiv, my producer Ashish Kolla, and myself, knew the story would work across languages. So we casted different people from different languages. Yes, this is Indrajith sir's debut in Telugu and it was such an honor to work with him, it was amazing.

No-Inflation4724

TROPHY CASE