HanuMan Director's Firm Stand on Creative Control
Prashanth Varma, the visionary director behind the blockbuster Telugu superhero film HanuMan, has recently opened up about his uncompromising approach to filmmaking. The 36-year-old filmmaker made a significant revelation about the non-negotiable condition he insists upon before signing any new project.
Learning from Early Mistakes
During his appearance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Varma shared valuable insights drawn from his early filmmaking experiences. He emphasized that his current approach to post-production evolved from the challenges he faced with his initial films, where rushed timelines negatively impacted the final quality.
"I realize that either you give the VFX artist a lot of time, or if you have a lot of money, send the output to some big company and get the VFX done," Varma explained, highlighting the critical importance of adequate time for visual effects work.
The Non-Negotiable Condition
The director revealed that after experiencing setbacks with his first film, he now demands a crucial assurance from producers before committing to any project. Creative control over the release date has become his non-negotiable requirement.
"Once the film is shot, give me enough time to cook it properly. I need that time for post-production. So, the producers were happy to give me time," Varma stated, emphasizing that this approach has proven successful in his collaborations.
HanuMan Success and Future Projects
Prashanth Varma's 2024 superhero venture HanuMan has made history as the first Telugu superhero film and stands as his highest-grossing project to date. The film's remarkable success has paved the way for an expanded cinematic universe.
The director is currently developing the highly anticipated sequel Jai Hanuman, which continues the story within the Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). The project is scheduled for release in early 2026.
Another exciting addition to the PVCU is Mahakali, featuring Kannada actress Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role. Shetty was specifically chosen as a fresh face to embody the fierce and divine characteristics of the mythological superheroine. This film is being directed by Puja Kolluru under Varma's creative production guidance.
Varma's firm stance on creative control and adequate post-production time demonstrates his commitment to quality filmmaking, a principle that has clearly contributed to his recent box office success and the expansion of his cinematic universe.
