Noted director Merlapaka Gandhi is turning story provider for Ek Mini Katha which is gearing up for its digital release on Amazon Prime on 27th of this month.
Here’s a candid chit-chat with Gandhi as he opens about the film and its storyline.
It seems to be that Ek Mini Katha has a big story behind it.
Yes, it does have a big story
What inspired you to make a film with this story?
My father used to write for Swathi Weekly book and we used to receive a copy every week. In one particular column, many men used to complain about their ‘small size’. This point got registered in my brain and I used the same to develop the script of Ek Mini Katha.
Is it the case or did you want to make a film in your father’s novel-centric style?
No. My father keeps saying he has many stories. But I am going in my own style.
Did you discuss about this story with your father?
Yes. At first he asked why I was taking this path while being comfortable with what I was doing. After listening to the final script, he appreciated me.
Did you approach Santosh feeling no other hero would accept this story?
No. Santosh was my go-to choice right from scripting stage.
Why him? He isn’t the most recognised hero at that point in time.
After watching Santosh in Paper Boy I felt he would be the right actor to star in the film. I approached him and he said yes. Same is the case with UV Creations as well.
The film is releasing on OTT? Should it have released in theatres?
It would have been great if the film released in theatres. Everyone would have enjoyed it. But theatres might not reopen for at least another 3 months. So we had to go ahead with OTT release.
Did you opt for direction supervision card for technical reasons or to give your protege a chance?
Certainly to give him a chance. He worked with me for two films.
You are three films old and are already using the ‘writer’ tag. What’s the story?
I had to work on Maestro and in the meantime, Ek Mini Katha’s idea came up. That is the reason why I gave it to my protege Karthik. There’s nothing much to it than that.
What about Maestro?
I like the core point. It is based on extra marital affair. That is the reason why I took up the assignment.
You took a long gap after Krishnarjuna Yuddham. Any specific reason?
There won’t be anymore gaps. I will make multiple films in quick succession henceforth.
Multiple films in quick succession?
For theatrical release and also for OTT.
There were rumors that you would be working with Ram Charan. Tell us about it.
I narrated the story. He asked for a bit more. Should see how things pan out.
What’s your next big project after Maestro?
Will reveal more details soon.
How many inches did you grow?
Hahahaha. Nothing like that. We concluded that these operations, medicines and procedures are all bogus.
