Director Vikram Reddy Interview
“Give Small Films a Chance, I Can Make an RRR-Like Film Too!” – Vikram Reddy, Director of Roti Kapda Romance
Vikram Reddy, the debut director of Roti Kapda Romance, expressed his thoughts about his journey, his first film, and the challenges faced by small-budget movies in the industry during a recent media interaction.
Drawing inspiration from S.S. Rajamouli, Vikram said, “Even Rajamouli’s first film was a small-budget project like Student No. 1. From there, he went on to create cinematic marvels like Baahubali and RRR. My first film, Roti Kapda Romance, is like Student No. 1 to me. I also have grand stories that could rival the scale of RRR. But for that, debut directors like me need opportunities. The industry must support small films and provide the space we need to showcase our work.”
He emphasized, “Currently, there’s a lack of space for smaller movies. In some places, even old films like Amaran continue to screen. If my film were given that space, it could have achieved half the collections. My humble request to the industry is to promote and nurture small films. Give us a chance to grow.”
His Background
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Vikram credits his mother as his inspiration for pursuing a career in films. “My mom was a huge movie lover and never missed a Friday release. She would go with her friends, and I would tag along. This sparked my love for films. Later, I decided to become a director after seeing Teja’s name on the poster of Chitram. I struggled to get into the industry, hoping to join as an assistant director, but it didn’t work out. Puri Jagannadh advised me to focus on studying films instead, which helped me understand the craft better. Eventually, I presented my story to Bekkem Venugopal, who gave me my first break.”
About Roti Kapda Romance
“This is a youthful romantic entertainer filled with friendship and comedy. It revolves around four boys whose lives change after four girls enter their world. It explores love, breakups, and their realizations. The film is a perfect blend of emotions and entertainment. The last 15 minutes, in particular, will touch everyone’s hearts and leave a lasting impression.”
Challenges and Changes
When asked about story changes, Vikram shared, “Initially, Dil Raju showed interest in producing the film, but he suggested some changes. I believed those changes would compromise my story, so I chose to stay true to my vision. Dil Raju respected my decision and even came up with the title Roti Kapda Romance.”
Confidence and Vision
“I have always been confident in my storytelling. My ultimate dream is to create a multi-starrer film featuring Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan. I already have a story prepared for them. For me, this journey began with hard work and determination. Over the past seven years, I’ve written 15 scripts, all aiming to tell compelling stories. I believe I can achieve great things with perseverance.”
The Need for Space in the Industry
Vikram concluded with an appeal to the industry: “Every director starts small; even legends like Rajamouli began with smaller films. Give us the space to grow, support our films, and help us showcase our talent. I firmly believe that small films are the foundation for the next generation of great filmmakers.”
