G Sriniwasa Kumar, popularly known as SKN, is one of the renowned Tollywood film producers
G Sriniwasa Kumar, popularly known as SKN, is one of the renowned Tollywood film producers. He is the most sought after strategist in the entertainment industry. SKN started his career as an executive producer with the widely seen romantic comedy-drama Ee Rojullo in the year 2012. His next films, the romantic thriller Taxiwala (2018) Prati Roju Pandaage (2019), were both very successful in the domestic and overseas market. He has entertained the audience with some more amazing films like Kotha Janta, Bhale Bhale Magadivoi, and Mahanubhavudu as an executive producer. He was involved in the movie public relations for films like 100% Love, Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, Bengal Tiger, Express Raja, Winner and Mister.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, he talks about the impact of COVID-19 on theatre experience and more. Excerpts from the interview:
How do you think films releasing on OTT platforms will affect the box office collections when theatres open? Do you think theatres will see a lower footfall?
No matter how many technologies come and go, nothing will happen to the film industry. People have grown so accustomed to watching movies at theatres. It is a known fact that the OTTs are giving a little marginal to the producers whose films have been postponed owing to the deadly coronavirus. Some filmmakers are releasing movies on OTT platforms is only a temporary arrangement to help small budget films, and that they won't give up on theatres. But I can't entirely agree with the opinion of the theatre viewership diminishes, and the ticket sale numbers will fall across the world. It will not kill the casual moviegoer or the frequent cinema patron. Theatre attendance will never be plummeted.
What happened when VCRs and VCPs were introduced in the market? Did people stop going to the movies altogether? Were the theatres closed that time? No. OTT platforms are the same. Everything has its own value.
Image Credit: SKN official Facebook handle
Do you believe that some movies are meant for theatres and cannot be enjoyed at home?
Yes, some movies are meant for theatres. If you're surrounded by a group of people while watching a film in the theatre, you're refreshing a familiar social setting. There's nothing inherently wrong with watching movies on your phone, tablet, laptop, or TV. But you can't get the same excitement and catharsis from the experience you feel entirely in theatres. Going to the movies with friends or your significant other can be a cherished pastime, especially when an exciting audience surrounds you.
Image Credit: SKN official Facebook handle
Would you personally prefer watching a movie in a theatre or an OTT platform?
A movie helps people relax when they're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Moreover, the livelihood of millions depends on cinema. Not any platform or technology can give theatre experience. The only entertainment available in all categories is going to the theatre and watching the movie. It's a beautiful experience to grab a bucket of popcorn and an icy cold beverage and, get comfy in the balcony seat while watching a film in the theatre. So, I would say that I would personally prefer watching a movie in a theatre instead of an OTT platform.
Image Credit: SKN official Facebook handle
People are comparing Telugu films with other language films in a wrong way. What’s your opinion on the comparison?
Please stop comparing our Telugu cinema with other language films. I feel awful about it. There's nothing wrong in watching other language films. But the problem with watching other language films is that you (inevitably) start comparing our Telugu film to that film. No matter how you want to, you shouldn't compare our Telugu film to other films. Ever. Telugu film industry is witnessing a period boom. The Telugu film industry, specifically, is thriving, and we're producing quality movies that are reaching the global audience, being screened at international film festivals and receiving numerous awards.
Films like Baahubali and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo have put Telugu cinema in the world map. Baahubali premiered at the several international film festivals and won various prestigious awards, including three National Awards - National Film Awards: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Special Effects and Best Stunt Choreographer. Collections wise, both the films have become the highest-grossers in India.
Image Credit: SKN official Facebook handle
How is your rapport with Bunny Vasu and Maruthi?
They are my good friends in the industry. I am still a learner. I have been learning how a film should be, how to write compelling characters, the judgment of a story, and pulse of the audience from them.
On the professional front, SKN will be produced in an exciting bouquet of films this year, including Maruthi directorial film, Sai Rajesh's film, Rahul Sankrityan directorial film, Allu Sirish starrer and a web series, directorial supervision by Maruthi.
Image Credit: SKN official Facebook handle