Srinivas Avasarala on Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi: I wanted to ensure the realism of an indie film

Srinivas Avasarala’s third directorial after Oohalu Gusagusalade and Jyo Achyutananda is a feel-good romance, Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi, starring Naga Shaurya, Malvika Nair. Produced by People Media Factory and Dasari Productions, the film is gearing up for a theatrical release on March 17. Ahead of the same, the actor-director spoke to the media.

Calling Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi a realistic film, he said he didn’t want his characters to have stereotypical dialogues and wanted them to be more spontaneous. He wanted the vibe of independent films in the storytelling. The story, born of real-life characters and incidents, is relatable, Avasarala stated. “Anyone can be the the characters here, so we went ahead with this title.”

“Just because I and Naga Shaurya have teamed up, don’t assume it to be another Oohalu Gusagusalade or a romantic comedy. The film is just like how actors really talk to each other off-screen. It explores human behaviour beyond dialogues, comedy or punchlines,” he added. While writing Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi, he felt he was exploring real people through the story.

He began writing the story in 2019, took one and half years to write it and mentioned he can’t write stories keeping commercial elements in view. While chasing financials, there will be an emotional disconnect, he opined. “We’ll be satisfied with the film only if there is a balance between story and the style. Every film is different. I don't write stories keeping specific heroes in mind.”

The film was shot in the UK and the USA beyond India and the team had to face several struggles due to Covid-19, visa issues and travel restrictions. “We had a tough time managing these things and hence it took time to complete the shoot.” Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi unfolds across seven segments, spanning 20 minutes each, with Shaurya and Malvika Nair seen in different looks.

He has already readied the script of his next though it has not reached the narration stage and the cast, crew are yet to be finalised. He plans to collaborate with Nani soon on another film and expressed interest to direct more frequently. Avasarala will also be seen in Sony LIV’s web show Kanyasulkam that stars Anjali, Naresh, Murali Sharma and Varsha Bollamma, set to release in April.