Director Aneel Kanneganti: Hidimbha is an investigative thriller with a historical twist

Hidimbha, the thriller, starring Ashwin Babu, Nandita Swetha, releases in theatres this Thursday. The film, directed by Aneel Kanneganti, has hogged the limelight for its high-voltage action sequences and the slick treatment of the premise. Samajavaragamana’s AK Entertainments is presenting the film that promises to be a feast for action and thriller enthusiasts.

Ahead of its release, the director held forth on his experiences while writing it and bringing it to life. “I always wanted to a film that was a mishmash of many genres. Audiences are quite used to investigative thrillers but this looks at the genre in a new light. The second half deals with an undocumented chapter in history that I had come across. The story is a mix of fact and fiction.”

He believes audiences are liking rooted, folklore stories like Kantara, Bimbisara and Virupaksha and says the film has a connect to the demon Hidimbasura, while explaining the title. “I would say it’s an investigative thriller with a historical touch. The detailing of the antagonist is its strength. The second half will be racy, the interval twist is sure to surprise audiences. The sequences shot in Kerala, Andaman are among the major highlights. It’ll be a great big screen watch.”

The film is set in a contemporary timeline and while establishing the antagonist’s character, explores backstories of various tribes and their historical roots. “I would request audiences to not reveal the twists once they watch it.” Technical finesse, production values and Ashwin Babu’s makeover, performance are the USPs of Hidimbha, the director shares.

Both the songs in the thriller won’t derail the plot, he assures. It was Ashwin who introduced him to composer Vikas. “On the commercial front, we’re safe and the producers have made table profits already. I’m relieved that the producers don’t need to spend sleepless nights before the film’s release.” He is content with the progress he’s made in the industry. Aneel has a film each with AK Entertainments, OAK, ED Entertainments and is in talks for 2-3 projects.