Kajal Aggarwal starrer Satyabhama marks the official debut of Suman Chikkala as a director. As the film nears its release, the director shares getting onboard for the project and more insights about the film.
K. Ramya Sree
With anticipation mounting for the upcoming release of Satyabhama, director Suman Chikkala opens up about the film’s journey from concept to completion, promising audiences a thrilling blend of emotion and action.
Suman, a newcomer to Tollywood’s directorial scene, credits his friend and mentor, Sashi Kiran Tikka, for entrusting him with the directorial reins. “Sashi’s vision of nurturing young talent through motivated me to take on this project,” he explains, adding, “I have a passion for movies and an interest in writing. While working a job, I sought opportunities in the film industry. I participated in story discussions for some hit movies. Sashi Kiran is my best friend, and I have done script work for his films. Sashi entrusted me with the responsibility of directing this film, marking my directorial debut in Tollywood. Sashi worked hard to become a director and founded Aurum Arts to start the journey of young talent with his success. His idea is to give opportunities to new talents.”
In short, he said, “I owe my directorial debut to him.”
Satyabhama stars Kajal Aggarwal in the titular role, with Naveen Chandra portraying her partner, Amarender. The director emphasises the importance of crafting a story that transcends gender stereotypes. “We wrote Satyabhama for a person, not a specific gender. Since the girl is the victim in the story, I thought it would be more impactful if it were a female lead. We believe that both emotion and action can resonate with the audience. Kajal Aggarwal immediately agreed to the role after hearing the story. Kajal’s commitment to performing her own stunts adds authenticity to the action sequences and elevates the emotional depth of the story,” expressed the director.
He also shed light on the film’s relevance to real-world issues, particularly women’s safety. “We integrated elements from the AP Disha and Telangana She Safe apps into the narrative,” he reveals. “If our film encourages even one person to utilise these safety measures, it will have made a meaningful impact.”
Drawing inspiration from police diaries and real-life incidents, Suman assures viewers that Satyabhama remains grounded in fiction while incorporating elements of mythology for added depth. “The name Satyabhama carries a sense of power and familiarity, making it the perfect fit for our narrative. It is purely fictional. I read police diaries and listened to their interviews, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents. Initially, our movie didn’t have this name, but Satyabhama is a powerful name in our mythology, so we chose it for its instant recognition. We want all the movies released this week to do well. If these films succeed, audiences will get used to coming to theatres. The movie will hit theatres next week, and Sricharan Pakala’s music will be a major attraction. He elevated the film with his background score,” he explains.
Despite its local roots, the director believes Satyabhama has the potential to resonate with audiences nationwide. “While the film is set in Hyderabad, its themes are universal,” he says. “We aim to release it in Telugu initially, with plans for multi-language availability on OTT platforms.”
As the film’s release date draws near, he expresses gratitude for the support of composer Sricharan Pakala, whose music promises to enhance the cinematic experience. Looking ahead, the director hints at future projects, buoyed by the evolving landscape of digital platforms and audience appreciation for fresh content.
