'Baanam' had generated mixed response. Who ever saw the film had an "opinion" and who ever didn't, doesn't have any "opinion". I don't have answers for the questions like "whether this film is a good film or a bad film?" "is it a hit or a flop?"
I watched the first day first show at Prasads multiplex with my family and friends. After that i never went to a public theater, to avoid the self-convenient excuses, and losing basic instincts based on other people's reactions.
Movies are a different experience for every individual, being an actor, or a producer or the audience. I have my own experience. My job is to 'Direct' this film well. I can claim thousands of excuses for whatever happened or blame others for whatever not happened in this film. But there is no excuse for a 'morning show'. Today (16th Oct) I will have to accept the fact that 'Baanam' is removed from the theaters in Hyderabad, exactly one month after its release (16th Sep).
But I somehow strongly believe that the purpose of this film is not yet complete, it just started.
"When the date changes, today will be a history for tomorrow".
I never thought that I had invented the Movie Camera, or I had brought Independence to our Country. But I am the only one who directed "Baanam". I am happy for this and I am proud that I made my whole team happy for being part of this. If anybody else is complaining, they deserve it. Success is a relative term. It varies from 'Person to Reason'.
I remember some 10 years back, when one of my childhood friend advised me that film industry is not a place for my type, who thought I cannot survive here to become a director, the 'top most job' in the business. Since few years another close friend & a top technician from the industry was advising me, that as long as I don't believe in God I am not going to become a director.
They may be just two, but I proved both of them wrong.
I watched the first day first show at Prasads multiplex with my family and friends. After that i never went to a public theater, to avoid the self-convenient excuses, and losing basic instincts based on other people's reactions.
Movies are a different experience for every individual, being an actor, or a producer or the audience. I have my own experience. My job is to 'Direct' this film well. I can claim thousands of excuses for whatever happened or blame others for whatever not happened in this film. But there is no excuse for a 'morning show'. Today (16th Oct) I will have to accept the fact that 'Baanam' is removed from the theaters in Hyderabad, exactly one month after its release (16th Sep).
But I somehow strongly believe that the purpose of this film is not yet complete, it just started.
"When the date changes, today will be a history for tomorrow".
I never thought that I had invented the Movie Camera, or I had brought Independence to our Country. But I am the only one who directed "Baanam". I am happy for this and I am proud that I made my whole team happy for being part of this. If anybody else is complaining, they deserve it. Success is a relative term. It varies from 'Person to Reason'.
I remember some 10 years back, when one of my childhood friend advised me that film industry is not a place for my type, who thought I cannot survive here to become a director, the 'top most job' in the business. Since few years another close friend & a top technician from the industry was advising me, that as long as I don't believe in God I am not going to become a director.
They may be just two, but I proved both of them wrong.
Hey, don't be too hard on yourself. You did a pretty good job for a first movie without stars. I felt though that the movie slackened in pace at parts, but overall really good.
ReplyDeleteChoose a contemporary script for your next project & please don't go the commercial way. Hey, btw, is that you on the twitter? If so, please be more active there & get your account verified.
hi chaithanya....
ReplyDeleteBAANAM s not a regular movie to receive regular response.i luv this expression of urs.i know u well & i know d fact very well tat none of d comments here s gonna change u from wat u r.i may critise baanam n som parts.but d fact s it bruoght tears n som places wen i saw it n d morning show.i just felt tat s d fullfilment of movie watching.ye, success differs from "person to reason".as u said baanam s a histroy today.let d critics worry abt it.lets start d next one.way to go.cheers!!
I am not Telungu speaking and I am not an Indian. But I have been following you, as you are a friend of my friend. I did not watch Baanam and without subtitles I will not understand it even if I watch it. But I read all reviews about it and watched most if not all your interviews. I felt that you deserve the best and should succeed in your career, and wished Baanam to be something that would pay off all your hardwork. I just didn't stop there. I also wished and hoped that you should move forward in the same direction, with the same purpose even if Baanam doesn't prove to be what others wanted it to be. After reading this post, I am glad that you have not lost even a little courage to steer, and I am proud and happy for you. I want to tell you the most that I admire in you are the last sentences in your post. And I will be with you all along in my thoughts for that WILL you have to prove others wrong. At times you may not be able to prove them instantly, it may take time, but eventually you can if you just do not lose that WILL. Wish that you would continue to prove others wrong! Cheers, Anbu
ReplyDeleteyeahh...well said chaitanya....you did your job...move on!
ReplyDeleteHi chaitanya....it is nice to hear the facts from a director in these marketing days. In these marketing days even a flop movie director is promoting a movie in such a way that they have given a movie like 'Shiva'. But I still don't understand why a movie like 'Baanam' is not getting enough business. I havent seen anyone badmouthing about this movie....even from a B centre like Anantapur(my home town) the talk is very much positive. Your movie surely deserve more publicity.
ReplyDeleteAnyway dont get disappoint...keep making movies by breaking previous paths....not records!
Viswanath.P.R
http://iindshow.com/
Chaithu .. u r right the purpoe of the film jsut started.. ur movie is for the intellectual minds.. otehrs shud try to reach to this level...they r the loosers...but we claim you are the best director...u dont need to rise anymore..people got to rise to ur level.. they will one day. talking abt god.. a man who can believe in himself is always greater than a man who beleives in god.
ReplyDeletejust saw your interview here http://sunitablogs.com/2009/10/02/interview-with-chaitanya-dantuluri/
ReplyDeletelooking forward to your next movie
movie is excellent....chaithanya u keep rocking....
ReplyDeleteChaitanya, I watched your movie ( I always call it director's movie) over the weekend and I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised. But for a few gaps in the screenplay( in my opinion anyway), the movie was a visually pleasing entertainer that we could all use these days. I am particularly impressed by the underplaying characters and I was always telling myself, this one looks like a hollywood movie. Not because of the high end graphics or over-the-top action sequences, but because the movie felt like it is really happening. Its almost like you are watching the life of a family next door through your window. And that is an effect not many telugu movies can capture.
ReplyDeleteHats off to you for extracting value of new comer Rohith, and for trying not to present him as a big star on hid debut. I really liked that.
As far as the story goes, I did feel it had some holes in it, but it atleast had a beautiful story. The unspoken tender love between the girl and Rohith was really sweet and touching, as was the crafty wickedness of the villain was chilling.
Since I live abroad, I am not sure if this was a commercial success, but in my books this is a movie I'd cherish for some time. Congratulations on the good work.
Glad to see that you are moving on. Enjoy your break & keep updating us fans on what you are upto.
ReplyDeleteJust a request from my side: Is it possible for you to release movies with English subtitles in the theater? It would be a great help if you could make sure of that from now on :-)
banam is not a movie for me....it's something like a utopia design. i wish every thing that you said in your story with 'little' compromise is true.
ReplyDeletebrother, your attitude is something that can be appreciated since it's the core element lacking in many upcoming directors.
in that great utopia that you have dream while designing banam i will be your humble servant.
wishing you very best !!! Crishna Calyan.
one month in hyderabad is more than enough for a movie like baanam chaitu. so better luck next time
ReplyDeleteChaitanya, I watched the movie day before yesterday in Zee Telugu. I felt really good. Every frame was made so diligently. If I had watched it when the movie has released, I would have promoted it my best. Thats is the way I support good movies. And you are right. We should never loose our basic instincts. They are God given and we should try to protect them with the same intelligence God gave.
ReplyDeleteHi Chaitanya,
ReplyDeleteI was just introduced to your blog last night and for some reason am very happy to read your articles. I didnt watch Baanam, but quite a good number of my friends said that we need such movies and movie makers. There were also a bunch of guys in one of the orkut communities who many times claimed that our industry doesnt 'deserve' this kind of good movies. I know its all just opinions but just wanted to share with you.
It's a great film..it inspired me a lot! Ur direction and Nagaraju sir's dialogues are excellent! I liked the opening shot of the film, very much!
ReplyDeleteWe all are waiting for ur next film! :)
You are the most ethical filmmaker right now in telugu film industry! Baanam is a perfect film.Who cares about the damn success/Failures. U won many hearts! And u are hope for many young generation filmmakers who are looking for a brighter side of telugu cinema. We just love you and "Baanam" Hatsoff once again.Waiting for Rampachodavaram :-)
ReplyDeleteHello Chaitanya
ReplyDeleteI was just watching Rohit's Solo Trailer yesterday and suddenly reminded me of the film Baanam.I fell in love with that film and was googling for your name. I was shockingly surprised to come to know that you haven't directed any movie since then. Apparently that could be due to obvious reasons, but just wanted to convey that they are plenty of ppl around the world who loved your work and are eagerly waiting for your next venture to roll on. Till then all the very best mate!!!
Hello chaitanya...i have watched Baanam.. not on big Screen. but loved the way u potrayed the story. Though the story is of sensitive one but yet you dealed it well..
ReplyDeleteKeep up the same attitude...
Hello Chaitanya,
ReplyDeleteBanam is a very nice movie. There are tons of movies in TFI that are flops but don't deserve to be. I guess I watched banam 3-4 times since its release n i absolutely love it. I think that it is a different movie n a great narration of what you want to say and thoughtful attempt. This movie influenced me and I am sure would have influenced a good number among the ones who took time to watch it in spite of the flop talk.
If a movie is considered to be a movie based on the logic less fights, heroism (a hero kills 100 rowdies n goes unnoticed by the police/legal system n still is the hero for thousands, really dumb), one item song n vulgarity for no reason, then be happy that your movie is a flop.
I heartfully appreciate the brains, hearts n efforts behind this movie n many movies in TFI that are flops but are refreshing and have a true meaning. I would love to see more n more movies from you n other talented people but before that I pray GOD that you be supported enough financially, critically n also by the TFI audience which will keep you going!