‘I’ll Fall Sick If I Don’t Visit Theatre’

Director Sriram Venu revealed how deep his connection with cinema truly is. In a candid interview, he said, “I’ll fall sick if I don’t visit the theatre at least once a week,” showing how much he depends on movies not just for inspiration, but for peace of mind. Watching films on the big screen is not just a hobby for him—it’s an emotional need.

Even as a filmmaker, Sriram says he enjoys watching films more than making them. He often travels to cities like Chennai and Mumbai to catch IMAX releases, just to experience the magic of cinema in its grandest form. For him, the theatre is like a temple, and he feels restless if he stays away from it for too long.

Sriram also shared that his journey hasn’t been easy. Despite delivering successful films like Oh My Friend, MCA, and Vakeel Saab, he had to deal with many setbacks. Several of his dream projects didn’t take off, and the pain of those unmade films still lingers. He believes that true cinema lies in emotional depth and artistic storytelling, even if it doesn’t always fit into the commercial mold.

He pointed out how difficult it is to tell honest stories in Telugu cinema due to constant pressure from producers and actors who want films to cater to everyone. Sriram believes that this broad targeting often weakens powerful scripts. He strongly feels that filmmakers should follow their passion without giving in to market pressure.

During the interview, he spoke openly about the personal pain he has faced. He remembered how he lost his father on the same day his first film Oh My Friend released. Despite going through tough times and a long gap between projects, he never stopped working or dreaming. His wife and family supported him throughout, allowing him to focus on his passion without added burdens.

Sriram didn’t attend film school, but that didn’t stop him. He educated himself by watching films and following the works of legendary directors. He deeply admires filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani and Steven Spielberg, and his favorite films include Bicycle Thieves, Goodfellas, Lagaan, and The Last Emperor.

Looking forward, he is excited about his upcoming film Thammudu, which promises to be a visual and emotional experience. With 140 days of shooting, filled with complex action and many night scenes, Sriram says this film will be a full theatrical treat.