Neerraja Kona’s Directorial Debut ‘Telusu Kada’ Hits Screens

Neerraja Kona is set to make her directorial debut with the Telugu film Telusu Kada, releasing on October 17, 2023. This romantic drama, featuring actors Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna, and Srinidhi Shetty, promises to deliver an edgy take on modern romance. With a strong emphasis on music and character depth, Neerraja is excited yet nervous as she reflects on her journey into directing.

In her own words, Neerraja describes the film as a departure from traditional romance narratives. “We’ve gone beyond feel-good romance and brought in a new perspective,” she states. Her background as a stylist began with the 2013 film Attarintiki Daredi, and she has worked on numerous projects with prominent directors. This experience significantly shaped her understanding and passion for cinema.

A Unique Journey into Directing

Neerraja’s path to directing was not straightforward. Initially inspired by the feel-good romances of filmmakers like Mani Ratnam, her story evolved dramatically when actor Nithiin recommended Siddhu Jonnalagadda for the lead male role. By then, Neerraja had already shared her script with renowned cinematographer PC Sreeram and editor Sreekar Prasad, whose positive feedback validated her writing.

The film’s direction shifted towards a more commercial style, influenced by Siddhu’s recent works, including his performances in DJ Tillu and Tillu Square. Neerraja notes, “Since Siddhu is also a writer, he brought in his perspective,” highlighting his contribution to the screenplay.

As the project progressed, Neerraja made the decision to part ways with Sreeram for mutual reasons, bringing in cinematographer V S Gnana Shekar to continue the visual journey of Telusu Kada. She emphasizes the significant roles of both Raashii and Srinidhi, stating that audiences have not yet seen them portray such characters in Telugu cinema.

Reflecting Personal Experiences

Neerraja holds a degree in fashion marketing and visual merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Her early involvement with the film industry ignited her passion for storytelling, which was further influenced by her brother, screenwriter Kona Venkat. A few years ago, she published a book of poems titled Waves, Sand & Magic, which hinted at her hidden talent for writing.

Encouraged by friends to take the leap into directing, Neerraja meticulously prepared by developing multiple stories. She used breaks on film sets to jot down ideas, leading to the completion of the Telusu Kada screenplay on Celtx software. Reflecting on the process, she describes it as “deeply satisfying.”

Without revealing too much about the plot, she mentions that one character’s reactions to conflicts are designed to provoke diverse audience responses. “I believe each one of us has a dark side,” she explains, indicating that the film explores the complexities of romance intertwined with pain and complications.

As a first-time director, Neerraja faced challenges in her new role. Despite her familiarity with film sets, she was uncertain about commanding the production. “We filmed for 80 days. By the end of it, I was more confident,” she reflects, noting the importance of engaging with experienced professionals like editor Navin Nooli and music composer Thaman.

Neerraja entrusted the responsibilities of costume design to Sheetal Sharma and Lanka Santhoshi, allowing her to focus on directing. “Direction has been a learning experience with happiness and heartbreaks,” she admits. She acknowledges the necessity of letting go of certain scenes for the overall betterment of the film.

Looking ahead, Neerraja aspires to create films that are both entertaining and meaningful. She admires Zoya Akhtar for her ability to weave integrity into commercially successful narratives. As she embarks on this new chapter, Neerraja Kona’s Telusu Kada is positioned to resonate with audiences, reflecting her unique vision and artistic growth.