Newcomers take centre stage in Azhar’s ‘Kotha Cinema’

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Debut director Azhar’s “Kotha Cinema”, made entirely with local talent, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release. The film introduces around 100 newcomers to the Telugu film industry.

Starring Suresh and Rakesh, the film has Azhar handling the story, screenplay, dialogues, direction and editing. Mohammed Wasim Akram, Sagi Sudheer Rao and Yadandla Satish Yadav are producing the project. The film’s ‘Why in Hyderabad, Why Not in Our Place’ event was held in Hyderabad on Monday, with several prominent directors and producers attending.

DOP Johnny Basha said Azhar identified and trained local talent before bringing them together for the film. Music director Peddapalli Rohith said he was grateful for the opportunity to create music for the project.

Actors Rakesh and Suresh thanked Azhar for giving newcomers an opportunity. Suresh said making a film involved numerous challenges, while Rakesh appealed for continued support until its release.

Critic Challa Srinivas praised the film’s poster and described “Kotha Cinema” as an authentic, natural film. Director Azhar said he decided to make the film himself after finding little initial support for newcomers. Auditions were conducted in his village to identify talent, and the team overcame several challenges to complete the project.

Director-producer Tammareddy Bharadwaja praised Azhar for returning to his hometown, training local talent and making a film with them. Director-producer N. Shankar also lauded the initiative and said the film had provided opportunities to many newcomers from the Singareni region.

Directors Ramesh, Veerashankar and V.N. Aditya expressed confidence in Azhar’s vision and wished the film success. They hoped “Kotha Cinema” would bring recognition to the Singareni region and its new artistes.