Exclusive: Badri Venkatesh: I believe in creative liberties, but filmmakers should do self-censoring

Badri Venkatesh, who last directed Plan Panni Pannanum, starring Rio Raj and Ramya Nambeesan in lead roles, is getting ready for his next project. Billed as a supernatural thriller, the film has Shruti Haasan playing one of the lead roles in it. The director had come up with a video recently which offered a sneak peek into the movie's storyline.

Interestingly, he was the sole performer in the three-minute video, based on which the film's story is expected to unfold. Meanwhile, Plan Panni Pannanum will have its OTT premiere on Disney+ Hotstar soon.   

Badri also has an untitled action movie which has Gautham Karthik headlining it. He is hopeful of beginning the movie soon after the actors are ready with their dates. In addition to this, he is also planning to make a film which he thinks will be controversial upon its release. 

He says, "It will remind the audience of Dirty Picture. I can't reveal more details on it now. I felt I should do this film because the subject in it needs to be addressed in our society. As the father of a 16-year-old, I feel it is my duty to tell the story."

On censorship in OTT projects, Badri points out that filmmakers should ensure not to cross the line. "It is inappropriate to say that censoring should not be there. I strongly believe in creative liberties, but filmmakers should do self-censoring. Our country is not as bad as many other countries in terms of creative freedom," he says.

Badri also adds that filmmakers shouldn't take the advantage of no-censoring policy for OTT projects. "We can't erase what we have shown in a film later. Depicting too much of voyeurism in the name of liberty can't be allowed. I think we should work more on our censor ratings so that people can differentiate on what they can watch depending on their age," he signs off.