Junior Has a Soulful Emotional Core – DOP Senthil Kumar
Junior’ is a strong emotional family drama that will connect with everyone. Audiences will definitely enjoy it: Cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar
Prominent politician and businessman Gali Janardhan Reddy’s son Kiriti Reddy is making his acting debut as a hero with the youth entertainer Junior, directed by Radha Krishna. Sreeleela plays the female lead. The film is being produced by Rajani Korrapati under the banner of Varahi Chalana Chitram. The songs from the film have already become chartbusters, and the teaser and trailer have received a tremendous response. Star cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar is the Director of Photography (DOP) for this film, which is set to release on July 18. On this occasion, Senthil Kumar spoke to the media and shared his experience with the film.
How did this project begin?
I have a good relationship with producer Sai Garu. I previously worked with him on Eega. After RRR, he spoke to me about this project. I really liked the story narrated by director Radha Krishna. It’s a good production house with a solid technical team. That’s how I came onboard this project.
What element in the story attracted you the most?
Usually, when launching a newcomer, people don’t go for family dramas—they just rely on fights and dances. But this film has strong emotion at its core, and that impressed me deeply. I liked that a debutant took up such a challenging role.
About the hero, Kiriti?
Kiriti is a hard worker. He’s an excellent dancer and does action scenes very well. His acting is also impressive. He’s a balanced actor and definitely one of the best among the new crop of talent.
You’ve worked on big canvas films with Rajamouli. What made you choose a debutant’s film like Junior?
Every film has its own uniqueness. After working on a heavy VFX film, this kind of emotionally driven project felt refreshing to me. I truly liked the core emotion in this film. Emotional family dramas are becoming rare, so I was happy to get an opportunity like this.
The songs from this film have become popular. The Viral Vayyari song, especially the dance performances by Kiriti and Sreeleela, has impressed everyone. The trailer too was well-received. All the promotional content is getting good reach. I’m confident that audiences will enjoy the film.
What kind of elements do you look for before selecting a film?
I always check if the story moves emotionally. That’s very important. If the story doesn’t move you emotionally, no matter how many other elements it has, they won’t work.
You’ve consistently worked with Rajamouli Garu. What’s the reason for the current gap?
Not just now, even in the past, there were gaps. For instance, I didn’t work on Vikramarkudu or Maryada Ramanna despite working with him on other projects. So, there’s no need to be surprised (laughs). We’ll definitely work together again in the future.
How was it working with Ravichandran Garu?
Ravichandran Garu is a great actor. The kind of energy he has at his age is unbelievable. It was truly a great experience working with him.
How is Genelia’s character going to be?
You’ll see a very different Genelia in this film. Her role and performance will be completely new and surprising to the audience.
About the director Radha Krishna?
Director Radha Krishna has a very clear vision. He knows exactly what he wants. I liked both the way he narrated the story and how he executed it. Clarity is very important for a director—and he has it.
About producer Sai Garu?
He made no compromises in launching a new hero and gave it top-notch production values. He worked with the passion of delivering a quality film. He selected a brilliant technical team—music by Devi Sri Prasad, fight choreography by Peter Hein. Technically, this film is very strong. Working under Varahi Productions has been a joyful experience.
Do you have plans to direct a film?
I do have such thoughts, but not immediately. That will take time. I am working on a few stories, but it’s still in early stages.
How do you feel about your journey so far?
It’s been 25 years since I entered the industry. It feels great to have earned a reputation for working on quality films. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work on films like Baahubali and RRR.
What are your upcoming projects?
I’m working on Swayambhu, which is in the same epic zone as Baahubali. It’s a period drama set in the times of kings. I’m also working on a film titled Indian House.
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