Director Harish Shankar reacts to Venkatesh Maha-KGF controversy, says ‘No wise person will…’

More than his projects or future endeavours, director Harish Shankar has been in the news recently for his public appearances and no-holds-barred speeches at events. The filmmaker, who’s gearing up to commence the shoot of Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh shortly, also made his web debut with ZEE5’s ATM. He’d written the story while his associate C Chandramohan helmed the show.

The Gabbar Singh director was also the chief guest for the success meet of Balagam held on Friday. Expectedly, he spoke his heart out sans any filters. “Everyone’s calling Balagam’s director Venu Yeldandi an overnight success but there’s immense struggle behind what he’s achieved today. He hasn’t forgotten his roots and that’s why he was able to make a Balagam.”

“Priyadarshi, lyricist Kasarla Shyam, composer Bheems were crucial for the film’s success,” he said. While stating his idea of class/mass/commercial cinema, “I believe we/media have come up with these words for our convenience and the average viewer is not bothered by it. They only say if it’s a good or a bad film or if they’ve liked it or not,” the filmmaker added.

“Shankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam and Adavi Ramudu are all equally good, commercially successful films and Veturi garu had written lyrics for all of them. I want Kasarla Shyam to write Raajigo and Maa Ooru Palletooru. All kinds of songs must co-exist,” Harish Shankar opined. While referring to the infamous Venkatesh Maha controversy on KGF, Harish said it isn’t necessary to downgrade one film to praise another.

“All filmmakers have jointly praised films like Balagam, Mallesham and Shatamanam Bhavati. These labels shouldn’t affect us. We’re all one family. When a KGF, RRR succeeds, I am happy because they’ll help the commercial prospects of my next release and better the market situation. Any wise person who understands the nature of the business won’t downplay the success of other’s film. I’ll continue to make commercial films and entertain you,” he mentioned.