An Exclusive Chat with Pallavi Gangireddy: GoCreator 2024 Short Story Concept Winner

How did your experience working with A.R. Murugadoss on films like “Spyder” and “Akira” influence your directorial style?

I had the privilege of working closely with A.R. Murugadoss sir as an assistant director and later as an associate director for over three years. Collaborating with one of the most successful directors in the industry allowed me to gain invaluable insights and experiences . Prior to this , I had already written & directed multiple short films as part of my film school curriculum, which helped me establish my initial directorial voice. However, working with A.R. Murugadoss sir significantly expanded my understanding of handling large-scale film productions. I learned to navigate the complexities of managing significant budgets, coordinating large crews, and overseeing massive sets that often included hundreds of junior artists. This exposure was instrumental in shaping my skills as a director.  Above all, I gained insight into the importance of patience and sustained enthusiasm throughout the filmmaking process, which can span over a year or more. Unlike some directors who may view their teams as mere facilitators, A.R.Murugadoss sir fostered an environment where each member was an integral part of the creative process. This approach empowered us and allowed us to take ownership of the projects we were working on. I truly believe that a great movie emerges when a director creates an environment that enables technicians to excel and feel invested in the project. This ethos of collaboration is something I carry forward in my own directorial endeavors.

What are the unique challenges of directing for digital platforms like AHA Telugu and AHA Tamil compared to traditional film?

Directing for digital platforms presents distinct challenges compared to traditional mainstream films.  One key difference is the need for adaptability in storytelling. While most mainstream films are primarily plot-driven, web series require a deeper focus on the characters and the worlds they inhabit. Mainstream films often center around a hero’s perspective, which can sometimes lead to supporting characters feeling underdeveloped or merely serving the hero’s narrative. In contrast, web series provide the opportunity to develop a broader range of characters and expand on the world they inhabit, allowing for richer storytelling and more nuanced relationships.
This focus on character-driven narratives necessitates a keen understanding of audience engagement. When someone goes to a theater to watch a film, they’ve already committed 2 to 3 hours of their time solely to your movie. They come prepared to immerse themselves in the experience. In contrast, when viewers log onto an OTT platform, they are not as focused and your content must stand out among a plethora of options just to capture their attention. If they do choose to click on your show, another challenge emerges: keeping them hooked. Viewers can easily lose interest and switch to another title at any moment, as they have multiple alternative options available right at their fingertips. This reality can feel a bit brutal for creators and It challenges writers and directors to think outside conventional formats and incorporate unique elements that make their work grab attention.
Another challenge is the pace of production. Digital platforms often operate under tighter schedules and budgets, which can lead to a more accelerated creative process. This situation demands a high level of efficiency and collaboration among the entire team. Directors must be nimble and make important decisions quickly, ensuring that the quality of storytelling remains high even when time is short.
In summary, both traditional filmmaking and directing for digital platforms come with their respective pros and cons. While traditional films benefit from a focused viewing experience and the potential for deep audience engagement, digital platforms allow for more expansive storytelling and character development. Ultimately, the choice of medium will influence the approach to storytelling, requiring directors to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each format while delivering engaging and meaningful narratives.

Loneliness, friendship, and ingenuity are key themes in “Wake Up Call.” How do you plan to portray these themes in a way that resonates with the audience?
These key themes will be treated as interconnected threads woven throughout Ajay’s journey. The film’s emotional arc will resonate with the audience by focusing on relatable experiences and highlighting the power of human connection.

The initial scenes will visually emphasize Ajay’s isolation. Long shots of him alone in his room, amidst the bustling sounds of the city, will visually communicate his feelings of detachment. The soundscape will play a crucial role in underlining Ajay’s solitude. Ajay’s initial demeanor will be characterized by withdrawal, shyness, and a reluctance to engage. His body language will reflect his emotional state. The film will carefully develop the friendship between Ajay and his roommates. Their initial interactions will be cautiously optimistic, showing a gradual increase in trust and intimacy. The development of the bedwetting alarm will be shown as a process of trial and error, showcasing the boys’ ingenuity, resilience, and determination. While the technical aspects of the alarm won’t be overly detailed, enough information will be shown to understand their innovation and problem-solving approach. The film will strive for resonance through  relatability, emotional honesty, humor and heart. While the bedwetting is specific, the themes of loneliness, friendship, and resourcefulness are universal and relatable. The portrayal of Ajay’s emotions will be honest and nuanced, allowing viewers to empathize with his experiences.The film will balance the seriousness of the topic with humor and heartwarming moments, creating a balance between emotional weight and levity.The overarching message will be one of hope and resilience, showcasing the power of human connection and ingenuity to overcome personal challenges. By weaving these elements together, I aim to create a film that is both entertaining and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

What are the biggest challenges you anticipate facing during the production of “Wake Up Call,” and how do you plan to overcome them?


While I anticipate several hurdles in producing ‘Wake Up Call,’ I’m confident that careful planning and a proactive approach will ensure a successful production.
My primary focus will be on three key areas:  tone, casting, and authenticity.

First, balancing the tone is crucial. The film must delicately blend humor and heartfelt emotion without trivializing Ajay’s struggles. The subject matter, while relatable, is also potentially sensitive.  The comedic elements should never trivialize Ajay’s struggles. To achieve this, I will revisit the script, refining the comedic elements to ensure they arise naturally from character interactions and situational irony, avoiding any mockery of Ajay’s condition.

Second, casting the right Ajay & his friends is paramount. Potraying Ajay requires an actor capable of portraying a wide spectrum of emotions—loneliness, embarrassment, frustration, hope, and triumph—with both emotional depth and comedic timing.  Extensive auditions, actor workshops, and thorough rehearsals will be essential in refining the performance.

Third, maintaining authenticity in portraying teenage life and friendship is vital. This requires actively seeking input from young people; I plan to conduct focus groups and consult with teenagers to ensure the film’s depiction resonates with its target audience.

Beyond these core areas, I will also address potential issues stemming from budget constraints, focusing on efficient resource allocation and creative solutions, such as exploring cost-effective filming locations and utilizing a leaner production team. The technical aspects of the alarm will be managed with the assistance of a technical advisor, ensuring its realistic depiction throughout the film.

Through proactive planning and skilled collaboration, I’m confident we can overcome these hurdles and bring ‘Wake Up Call’ to life successfully.