PremiumNaveen Medaram on being denied directorial credit for Devil - ‘It’s my baby no matter what’
The filmmaker’s name was removed from Devil’s promotional material due to creative differences with the producer
Last Updated: 03.51 PM, Dec 27, 2023
Wrapping up all pre-release formalities, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Samyuktha Menon starrer Devil is hitting screens globally on December 29. While the spy thriller was initially helmed by Naveen Medaram, he was denied directorial credits at the last minute due to creative differences with the production house Abhishek Pictures. Naveen has now issued a clarification about the matter.
Clearing the air about his involvement with the film, Naveen, in a social media post, shared that he has dedicated three years of ‘unwavering effort’ to bring Devil to life. He says every aspect of the film, from the conceptualisation to the script, screenplay development and the choice of costumes, locations and set designs, bears his personal touch, as a realisation of his artistic vision.
Naveen shared that he’d filmed Devil for over 100 days across like Karaikudi, Vizag and Hyderabad and that the film was truly his own creation. “To me its just not a project; it's my baby and no matter whoever says what, it’s a film by Naveen Medaram.” He dismissed reports of his wrongdoings during the making of the film and said he was forced to clarify the matter owing to a few reports.
The filmmaker insisted he had not taken any legal action against any individual or the film. Naveen admitted he’s deeply disheartened about being denied directorial credits for his film, but added that he has ample experience, skill and self-confidence. “I have always remained focused, composed, and persistent throughout my career and I am determined to come back even stronger.”
He expressed his gratitude to Kalyan Ram and his crew for putting their heart and soul into the film and working tirelessly for it. The director stated he’s confident about Devil’s prospects at the box office and urged audiences to watch the film in theatres on December 29. Naveen has reportedly signed a new film and is working on a new script and details about the project will be out soon.