Coming up with his new film Operation Raavan on July 26, Director Venkata Satya interacts with The Pioneer, sharing his directorial journey, film’s premise and more about the upcoming film.
K. Ramya Sree
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, where audiences constantly crave innovation, director Venkata Satya is setting a new benchmark with his latest film, Operation Raavan. Starring Rakshit Atluri and Radhika Sarathkumar and produced by Dhyan Atluri, the film promises to captivate viewers with its fresh take on the suspense thriller genre. Set for a grand release worldwide on July 26, Operation Raavan is generating significant buzz. We caught up with Venkata Satya to discuss the film’s intriguing premise, his directorial journey and what audiences can expect from this cinematic venture.
In an age where psychological nuances are gaining prominence in storytelling, Satya delves into the complexities of human thought in Operation Raavan. He explains, “Mythology suggests that our thoughts themselves can be our enemies and achieving salvation lies in understanding them. Practices like yoga and meditation aim to control our thoughts. In movies, villains typically engage in wrongful acts driven by their thoughts. I wanted to explore these underlying ideas through Operation Raavan.”
Drawing inspiration from the epic Ramayana, Satya’s film offers a contemporary perspective on classic themes. “The Ramayana is inherently a thriller,” he notes. “In Operation Raavan, we incorporate elements like Garudman, Ravana and Guhu, but with a modern twist. Ravana’s disguise involves a mask, which is central to our film’s title. We explore the psychological aspects of characters, delving into why some individuals display extreme behaviours in relationships.”
Satya’s film also reflects on today’s societal reactions and judgments. “We witness varied responss when individuals face challenges. For instance, a boy’s unreciprocated love might label him as a ‘psycho,’ just as a girl’s subsequent interactions might draw similar judgment. Our movie explores the reasons behind such extreme behaviours and aims to resonate with audiences by presenting a nuanced view of these social dynamics.”
Working with his son Rakshit Atluri added a personal dimension to Satya’s directorial journey. “Directing Rakshit didn’t greatly affect me,” he shares. “He was a bit apprehensive during fight scenes and I worried about potential injuries. The fight master reassured me and Rakshit performed admirably. We recently released a single-shot poem by Karuna Sri, showcasing Rakshit’s talent. Saravana Vasudevan’s music also complements the film beautifully.”
Radhika Sarathkumar’s role in the film is pivotal and Satya acknowledges her contribution. “Approaching Radhika with the story was challenging, but once on set, she followed my directions meticulously. Her dedication and willingness to adjust her performance according to my instructions were commendable. Radhika believes Operation Raavan will be her most memorable film, given her character’s complexity across different time frames.”
Satya reflects on the unpredictable nature of filmmaking compared to other industries. “Running a business is more predictable; a well-brewed cup of tea generally pleases the customer. Cinema is an art form with no guarantees—what one person admires, another might not. While there are supporters in business, the film industry often lacks a safety net, leading to complexities.”
Despite working with a modest budget, Satya has ensured high technical standards for Operation Raavan. “While directors like SS Rajamouli have elevated Telugu cinema to international acclaim with high-budget films, we crafted Operation Raavan with a budget of four to five crore rupees. Our focus was on maintaining high technical standards throughout.”
In a unique initiative, Satya plans to reward keen-eyed viewers. “We’ve announced that each of the first thousand audience members who correctly identify the ‘psycho’ character within an hour of the movie’s start will receive a silver coin. It’s a fun way to engage with our audience and add an interactive element to the viewing experience.”
Looking ahead, Satya reflects on his directorial journey and future plans. “I completed Operation Raavan within the planned budget and schedule. Directors like KV Reddy, Aadurthi Subbarao, Rajamouli and Steven Spielberg inspire me greatly. Post-Operation Raavan, I’ll focus on planning my next project, alongside ongoing work on Palasa 2. Our production aims to release one film annually.”
