Exclusive! Journalist-turned-filmmaker K Jayadev talks about his debut feature Korangi Nunchi

In an industry where audiences are mostly exposed to mainstream cinema driven by larger-than-life stars, films that adhere to a particular template and a formula-driven by commercial diktats, it's easy to forget what storytelling is all about. It's no sin to hail Malayalam and Tamil cinema for staying true to their roots and identity and telling unusual stories, though it's equally important for viewers to be appreciative when someone from Telugu cinema tries to tread that path. Korangi Nunchi (Who will marry Thomas?), an upcoming Telugu film helmed by journalist-turned-director K Jayadev, is one such attempt that merits your attention.

Jayadev developed the film based on a news item he read about the American war against Iran in a publication. The war scenario meant that state transport authorities back in India could no longer avail fuel subsidies and the buses were forced to purchase fuel at market rate. Eventually, this forced the management to drop unviable transport services to specific locations, including a place named Korangi. Jayadev was curious about how this decision affected the residents around the region, did some research and finally came up with a script.

Korangi Nunchi, starring Archana (80s actress known for films like Daasi, Ladies Tailor and Nireekshana) and Vikranth in lead roles, is about a tribal woman named Koyalamma, a tea-shop owner who wishes to get her son married before the government stops the lone bus service to the area. What's the connection between the bus service and her son's marriage? You need to wait for the film for an answer, teases Jayadev. The script, even before the filming began, won laurels at several international film festivals. 

"The film touches upon several universal aspects like migration, parental neglect, superstition and marriage (that's considered as an accomplishment in our society). However, everything is stated as a matter of fact and it never gets preachy. I waited for a year to rope in Archana for the film. She was the only actress I had in mind for the role and could present the various dimensions of a mother who couldn't let go of her son. She liked the story but was initially hesitant. We were considering approaching a few of her contemporaries at some point. Archana took her time to say yes and eventually didn't want to miss out on a role for which she was the first choice," he quips. 

Tamil actor Vikranth, last seen in Bakrid, was suggested by Archana herself for the son's role and he immediately came on board after a narration. Jayadev picked Katta Anthony after watching his stellar performance in Middle Class Melodies, where he played a milkman cheated by a home-grown chit fund company owner. "This scene where he is dejectedly riding his cycle after losing all his hard-earned money was enough to convince me about his abilities. I won't be surprised if he walks away with many laurels as a supporting actor in this film too." The supporting cast includes Benarjee, Nagineedu as well.

The film's compact premise featuring only a few actors meant that it gave the liberty to the director to delve into many facets of its characters. For instance, most mainstream films reduce mother characters to ever-sobbing, overly-caring caricatures or either as someone who's completely evil. Korangi Nunchi explores the life of a single mother with all her imperfections and still doesn't antagonise her. "While there's no doubt that she cares about her son a lot, there's a tiny bit of selfishness that drives her actions. Being a single parent, she wants to be known as a strong woman who can run the family, and assume control. She is extremely possessive about her son, wants to get him married and stay with him at any cost," Jayadev adds. 

The film was shot for over 22 days at a set erected in the middle of a forest at Sunnapadu (in the vicinity of Rampachodavaram and Maredumalli). "The shoot location took us to a different era altogether. No mobile network would function. We were cut off from the world. In a way, we were free from all sorts of disturbance, distractions and completely focused on our work. Every morning (in the location where we stayed) before we left for the shoot, we had to inform our family, friends, that we were doing well and wouldn't be available to talk/communicate for the rest of the day."

The icing on the cake was the experience to collaborate with ace cinematographer Madhu Ambat, who has over 250 films to his credit. "He has a very psychological approach to the way he visualises his frames and doesn't only focus on the aesthetics alone. Even if he wants to shoot a particular sequence 10 feet away from the camera, he takes the effort to explain the reason behind it and also considers my inputs." The technical crew comprises other big names like editor Suresh Urs, composer Vidyasagar and art director Hosmane Murthy.

Famed Malayalam music director Isaac Thomas was to compose for the film initially. He was very enthusiastic about the soundscape and also had a roadmap for the film, though his untimely death came as a jolt to the team. "When I approached Vidyasagar later, he asked me why did I consider him. I wanted to use live instrumentation for the film and thought he was the best choice. He understands the various dimensions of a character so well and delicately brings those variations in his score." 

Korangi Nunchi is currently undergoing post-production and is slated to release in theatres in January 2022. While the project was approved in 2019 by NFDC, miscellaneous reasons (including the pandemic) meant that the film took its own sweet time to hit the big screen. 

While this may be Jayadev's first brush with a feature film, he has made several award-winning short films and documentaries like The Rhythm of Death, Surabhi, Janani, Prof CNR Rao – the Man Who Knew the Future and MS Swaminathan – For a Poverty & Hunger Free World. For someone who had to make a tough choice in leaving a well-established career in journalism for filmmaking, Jayadev is patient and confident about making a mark. He is keen to create content for OTT platforms as well. Come February 2022, he plans to shoot another feature film with a popular character actor.