Watch: Why Sekhar Kammula Takes Years to Make Each Film

In a recent interview after finishing his film Kuberaa, director Sekhar Kammula opened up about his unique way of making movies and the thought process behind them. Known for his simple yet powerful storytelling, Kammula spoke about the quiet period he experiences after finishing a film, while waiting for the audience to watch and respond.

Kammula doesn’t rush his films. He usually takes three to four years between projects. This isn’t because of delay, but because he waits for the right story to come to him. Once it does, he spends time thinking deeply about whether it’s worth telling—both in terms of effort and whether it has value for society. His goal is to bring at least 60-70% of his original dream to life on the screen.

His filmmaking style has changed over the years. His earlier films like Anand were light and feel-good, while recent ones like Love Story and Kuberaa have become more serious and intense. He says this is because he now deals with bigger, more complex topics—like caste and class issues—which require stronger storytelling to make an impact. He feels that being too subtle doesn’t work when dealing with serious social matters.

In Kuberaa, he explores two different worlds: one we all see and another that’s often ignored, like the lives of beggars. Through this film, he wants people to become more aware, but without sounding like he’s preaching. He believes storytelling is a powerful tool—a way for a common man like him to share honest, idealistic messages. For Kammula, making movies isn’t just about box office success. It’s about telling stories that matter and leave a lasting impression.