Suresh Kavirayani
Praveena Paruchuri, who earlier produced acclaimed films like C/o Kancharapalem and Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, is now taking the next step in her creative journey with her upcoming film Kothapallilo Okappudu. This time, she’s not just producing it—she’s also directing it.
“Actually, I have wanted to be a director since my childhood. I’m mad about films and I watch a lot of them. I’ve learned Andhra Natyam and Kuchipudi, which gave me an understanding of literature and music. I also took acting classes and completed a short filmmaking course,” shares Praveena.
While producing her earlier films, she gained valuable experience by getting involved in every department. “Directing is a difficult craft, but I gained confidence through those two films,” she says.
Reflecting on the origins of Kothapallilo Okappudu, she recalls how the idea emerged during the pandemic. “As a doctor, I felt the emotional weight of that time deeply. I never thought I’d make another film. But after shooting a short film with music director Mickey J Meyer in the U.S., everything changed. When I came back to India, this story came to me. I’m confident it will be as successful as C/o Kancharapalem,” she says.
Interestingly, she also plays a role in the film. “I don’t want to compare it to Allu Arjun’s Gangamma Jathara scene in Pushpa, but I’ve done something along those lines. There are a few scenes that I believe audiences will really like,” she adds. The film includes supernatural elements, but not in a horror format. “I present a supernatural belief in a neutral way. Every village has a deity that the locals believe in. I’ve always been curious about such beliefs, so I incorporated one into my story,” explains Praveena.
Taking a break from her medical profession for the production and post-production of the film was her biggest challenge. “I put my medical practice on hold for this project. If the audience supports this film, I’d love to continue and even explore making an action film with a martial arts backdrop,” she says with ambition.
