Niharika Konidela: Committee Kurrollu is a festival of friendship

Niharika Konidela's Committee Kurrollu is all set for a spectacular release on 9 August 2024. The film directed by Yadhu Vamsi marks the entry of talented and aspiring newcomers to Tollywood. Ahead of the film release, Niharika who is bankrolling the project under Pink Elephant Banner, interacted with the scribes and shared her experience.

Why did you name your banner as Pink Elephant?

When I started working on the short film Muddapappu Avakaya for a YouTube channel, I named the channel "Elephant" with the hope of eventually working on big projects. That same name carried over to my production house. As for why I added "Pink," honestly, there wasn't a specific reason at the time—I just liked how it sounded.

What did you feel when you first heard the story of "Committee Kurrollu"?

From the moment I heard the story, I knew I had to be a part of this project. I never initially planned to become a producer, but when Anudeep, who works in my office and is also an actor, approached me with the script from his friend, I was intrigued. The story was narrated with music that was already composed for the film, and Yadhu Vamsi's storytelling drew me in completely. By the end, I knew I couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

How does the village festival in "Committee Kurrollu" spread across the timeline?

The film spans across three different years: 1998, 2011, and 2023, marking the village festival that occurs every 12 years. While the film primarily focuses on friendship, the festival serves as a key timeline marker. Yadhu Vamsi drew inspiration from real events to craft this narrative.

Were the references to Pawan Kalyan's political journey in the climax included from the beginning, or were they added later?

Yadhu Vamsi, who is a huge fan of Pawan Kalyan, believed that an incident from 2019 played a crucial role in shaping the 2024 political outcome. He depicted this in a sarcastic manner. Typically, political subjects are serious, but we decided to approach this one with a touch of sarcasm and humor.

Why did you decide to become a producer after being an actor?

There's no specific reason, really. While working on Muddapappu Avakaya, I took on the role of actor-producer. My first love is acting, and I'm still acting, especially in Tamil films.

Some feel your projects are realistic and emotional, and that they might have had a better reach if made in Malayalam. 

What are your thoughts?

Language isn't a barrier when it comes to good content. Even though Mani Ratnam and Shankar's films were dubbed in Telugu, many Telugu viewers still watched the originals and appreciated them. 

This proves that content is king, regardless of language. Your family has over 11 heroes. Why did you choose 11 newcomers instead of casting your family members?

Committee Kurrollu is also a mass entertainer, and I was surprised by how many mass masala scenes it contained. Despite not being well-versed in Godavari traditions, language, or culture, I saw myself in those 11 newcomers. It was a gut feeling, something I can't quite put into words. I believe the film will connect with viewers because Vamsi wrote the script in a realistic and disciplined manner. My father, Naga Babu, was also impressed after Yadhu Vamsi narrated the story to him for five hours.

Did you show the film to Pawan Kalyan?

After the elections, I couldn't even meet my dad, so I haven't had the chance to show the film to Pawan Kalyan yet. He’s been extremely busy. However, he did like the subject when he heard it through another producer, which was one of the reasons I decided to listen to the story myself.

Do you have any particular genre in mind when selecting projects like "Committee Kurrollu"?

No, I don’t stick to a specific genre. I’ve worked on different genres, like Ok Chinna Family, Hello World, and now Bench Life. Committee Kurrollu felt like a fun project. When I visited Amalapuram during the shoot, the locals advised me not to come because crowds were gathering. I didn’t attend the Jathara shoot but was present for the climax scenes.

Did you ask anyone from your family to watch the film?

I asked Varun Tej and Lavanya to watch the film because their feedback is important to me. Apart from them, I also have a close group of friends whose opinions I value. Varun Tej gave me positive feedback, and I take my brother and dad's feedback seriously as well.

What feedback did you receive from the Censor Board?

The Censor Board's feedback was very positive—they liked the film.

Are there paid premieres planned?

Yes, we have planned paid premieres, not just in Andhra Pradesh but also in Hyderabad.

What was your experience working with newcomers?

Initially, I was concerned that working with an all-new cast might be challenging for the film's business. But Vamsi convinced me to listen to the story first. After hearing it, I was confident. Prasad is the only well-known face among the cast, and everyone else has been with the film for three years. They were so committed that no one even needed to hold a dialogue paper on set. It felt like they chose me rather than the other way around.

When was the title "Committee Kurrollu" finalized? Were any other titles considered?

The title "Committee Kurrollu" was fixed early on. I wasn’t familiar with what "Committee Kurrollu" meant initially, but Vamsi explained that they are the ones who take charge in festivals, pubs, and even fights.

Who got the most preference in "Committee Kurrollu"?*

Every character in Committee Kurrollu has significant moments, and everyone shines in their own way. The music by Anudeep is the heart of this film—his songs and background score are phenomenal and a major strength of the movie.

What is your take on nepotism?

If someone enters the film industry simply because they have a legacy, they won't succeed. Cinema requires passion and a genuine love for the craft. Success comes only through hard work and dedication.