Niharika Konidela, who believes that “good content is a reflection of life,” is preparing for the release of her feature film debut, Committee Kurrollu, on August 9. While she has previously produced OTT content and short films, this project marks her first foray into feature film production. Opting for an entirely new cast and crew instead of established stars and technicians, Niharika was captivated by the script.
“I was completely sold on the script that Vamsi brought to me. I loved it so much that I doubted my own judgment and showed it to my father, who is a strict judge of scripts. If he finds something boring, he’ll tell them not to waste their time or his. My father also said the script was great, so I decided to go ahead,” she explained.
Content Choices and Production Journey
Niharika reflected on her journey into production, noting her focus on how content resonates with its target audience. “I’m an accidental producer. When I started a YouTube channel, I needed a name and came up with ‘Pink Elephant’—a name I still don’t know how I thought of. I decided to use the same name for my production house. My passion for movies goes beyond my family background; it’s a genuine love for the medium. Producing content for OTT and small screens has always motivated me. When Vamsi came to me with the script and some scenes, along with tunes from Anudeep Dev, they actually chose me, not the other way around. I was completely sold on it and suggested casting a few known heroes, but Vamsi declined, and I understood why. And here we are now,” she said.
Thoughts on Industry Dynamics
Discussing the presence of star female kids in Tollywood, Niharika emphasized that passion is crucial for a sustainable career in film. “Directors don’t approach me with scripts thinking that I want to do only female-oriented movies. They worry about how many people they’ll have to explain the script to and how many permissions they need. These factors have sometimes prevented me from getting good movies like Colour Photo.”
Openness to Genres and Decision-Making
Niharika expressed her openness to various genres and her approach to decision-making. “I want to receive more scripts and am open to any genre. I am the final decision-maker regarding what films to produce or act in. While I take suggestions, the final decision is always mine. The reason is that if a movie flops, I don’t want to blame anyone else. I prefer to hold myself accountable.”
The Film’s Unique Structure
Committee Kurrollu spans across three distinct years—1998, 2011, and 2023—centered around a village festival that recurs every 12 years. Niharika explained, “The festival is more than just a backdrop; it’s a crucial element that underscores the theme of friendship. Yadhu Vamsi drew from real-life events to craft this engaging narrative.”
Political Elements and Creative Choices
Addressing the film’s political elements, Niharika revealed, “Yadhu Vamsi, a fan of Pawan Kalyan, incorporated a satirical take on a 2019 incident that influenced the 2024 political scene. We chose to present this with humor and sarcasm, a departure from the usual serious tone of political subjects.”
Transitioning from Acting to Producing
When asked about her shift from acting to producing, Niharika said, “There wasn’t a specific reason for this shift. My primary passion is acting, and I’m still involved in Tamil cinema. Producing came about organically, and I embraced the opportunity.”
Content and Language Considerations
Niharika discussed the impact of language on content, stating, “Good content transcends language. Even when films are dubbed, their quality remains appreciated. This reinforces the idea that compelling content is more important than the language in which it is presented.”
Role of Women in the Film
Niharika also highlighted the significance of female roles in the film, noting, “While the story doesn’t rely solely on female characters, their presence adds beauty and depth to the movie.”
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