“Sri Chidambaram Garu Is a Sensitive Emotional Journey About Loving Yourself First” – Director Vinay Ratnam
Sri Chidambaram Garu, produced by Chinta Vineesh Reddy and Chinta Gopala Krishna Reddy under the Sri Chakras Entertainment banner, is presented by Mrs. Chinta Varalakshmi, with Chinta Rajasekhar Reddy serving as the co-producer. The film features Vamsi Thummala and Sandhya Vasishta as the lead pair and marks the directorial debut of Vinay Ratnam. Scheduled for a theatrical release on February 6, the film has already generated positive buzz. On this occasion, director Vinay Ratnam interacted with the media on Tuesday. Here are the highlights from the interaction.
Why did you choose to tell the story of “Sri Chidambaram Garu”?
This film focuses on people who struggle with inferiority complexes and insecurities, those who constantly compare themselves with others and lose confidence in the process. Many people feel unhappy because they believe they lack what others have. I felt this is the right time to tell such a story and present it with sensitive emotions and honesty.
What is the central theme of the film?
When we stand in front of a mirror, we should first believe that we are good enough. Before loving someone else, we must learn to love ourselves. That is the core message of Sri Chidambaram Garu.
Tell us about your background and how this film happened.
I have made around 25 short films and I am from Rajahmundry. One of my short films, presented by Niharika Konidela, was screened at film festivals. Sri Chidambaram Garu is my first theatrical film. Initially, we started the project through crowdfunding, but later producer Chinta Gopala Krishna Reddy liked the story and decided to produce the film.
How did you select the cast for the film?
The role of Chidambaram had to be performed mostly in single takes, which requires immense concentration and preparation. From the beginning, I wanted Vamsi Thummala as the lead. Playing a character with a slow blinking eye is not easy—it needs a lot of practice and control.
For the other roles, we conducted auditions in East Godavari and Rajahmundry, focusing on natural performances. Many local artists were selected after workshops, which helped maintain authenticity.
What has been the response to the film’s premieres?
The response has been very encouraging. Viewers felt the film was fresh and rooted. Many are comparing it to films like C/o Kancharapalem and Pelli Choopulu. Since I have learned a lot from such films, these comparisons make me very happy.
How entertaining is the film?
This is not a commercial entertainer. It is a pure emotional journey. However, the film does include clean comedy that does not offend anyone and blends naturally with the narrative.
Is the character of Chidambaram inspired by real people?
Yes. I have seen many friends who are insecure and keep to themselves. They inspired this story. Even today, I have a friend named Jayanth who lives in the US. He stays away from crowds, doesn’t trouble anyone, and lives quietly. Observing such people motivated me to tell this story.
Tell us about the music.
Music is the lifeline of this film. There are five songs, including one sung by MM Keeravani garu. All the songs support the narrative beautifully, and the background score further enhances the emotional depth of the film.
Many felt the visuals resembled Kerala locations. Where was the film shot?
We shot the film over 32 days in locations with limited transport facilities, entirely in Andhra Pradesh. Many people assume it was shot in Kerala, which I take as a compliment. Andhra Pradesh has many beautiful, unexplored locations—we just need to use them effectively.
Could the hero’s character hurt anyone’s sentiments?
Not at all. Through this film, I learned how to handle sensitive subjects carefully. No one’s sentiments will be hurt. Instead, audiences will feel emotionally fulfilled after watching the film.
What is the significance of the title “Sri Chidambaram Garu”?
In East Godavari, people sometimes mock individuals with a slow eye by calling them “Chidambaram.” In the film, the hero is repeatedly addressed that way, to the point where people forget his real name. However, as the story progresses, audiences begin to respect the character, and naturally, he becomes “Sri Chidambaram.” After watching the final cut, we felt the added respect was essential, which is why we finalized the title as “Sri Chidambaram Garu.”
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