Rana Dagubatti & Praveena Paruchuri on Kothapallilo Okappudu & Telugu Cinema | InFocus | THR India

Anupama sits down with Rana and Praveena at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad to discuss their collaboration on the rural Telugu film “Kothapallilo Okappudu.” Rana, through his Spirit Media banner, presents Praveena’s directorial debut - a heartwarming village story that blends romance, humor, and belief. The conversation explores how Praveena, a practicing cardiologist in the US, balances her medical career with filmmaking, following her successful productions of “C/O Kancharapalem” and “Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya.”

The interview delves into Rana’s philosophy of supporting content-driven cinema and his journey building Spirit Media over two decades. Praveena shares insights into casting newcomers, working with LA-based cinematographer Petros Antoniadis, and her vision for authentic Telugu storytelling with global sensibilities. Both filmmakers discuss the importance of preserving heartland narratives in modern cinema and their approach to finding audiences for meaningful, character-driven stories.