Priya Vadlamani, Vikas Vashishth, Vishwak Sen and Chaitanya Rao in a double role in the Telugu film ‘Mukhachitram’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
What If Director K Balachander’s 1981 Telugu film 47 Rozulu (47 Nutkal in Tamil), starring Chiranjeevi and Jayaprada, was a contemporary soul sequel with an avenging female protagonist? Sandeep Raj who has written the story, screenplay and dialogues of the new Telugu film face paintingThat inspiration came while working on the script, which will hit the theaters on December 9.
Sandeep’s last film, color photowhich he co-wrote and directed, won the National Award for Best Feature Film in 2020. Sandeep wrote face painting during the pandemic and made it with his brother Pradeep. Directed by Gangadhar, the film features Vishwak Sen in a brief part as a lawyer, and the primary cast includes Vikas Vashishtha, Priya Vadalamani, Chaitanya Rao and Ayesha Khan.
“Later color photo, I have written another script which is waiting to go on floors and will involve a big production house and a renowned actor. I had written face painting Based on two true events, one of which is about face transplants. The film also deals with another issue, which I think will be a surprise factor,” says Sandeep when we meet at a cafe in Hyderabad for this interview.
Sandeep Raj and director Gangadhar on the sets of ‘Mukhachitram’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
the story of face painting, says Sandeep, takes place in 2020 and ends on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2021, and raises a lesser-addressed issue related to women’s safety. “Everything that happens in the story until then – the romance, the growth as a plastic surgeon – builds up to that turning point.”
He revealed that he wrote two endings for face paintingas it was for Color photo. A poignant ending was chosen for Color Photo because he and his team felt it would be a natural progression for a story in which the protagonists are torn apart by caste and class divides. color photo Streamed live on Aha during the pandemic and became the most popular Telugu film on the platform till date. For face paintingSandeep says that he chose an ending that would bring a smile on the audience’s face. “The story has two twists; Watch out for the tiny final twist. The first half moves at an intentionally slow pace, but the payoff in the later parts will be worth the wait.
Sandeep chose Vikas Vashishtha after seeing him in a Telugu indie film cinema captive and signed Priya Vadlamani, who has a few films lined up. He is confident that the film will be a career-defining one for him: “He has a double role; I needed someone who could perform well. For the second role, he had to look contemporary and get into the shoes of another character after a face transplant. For this, she underwent a dental surgery to fix the tooth.
Vikas Vashisht and Priya Vadlamani | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sandeep explains that the face transplant part of the story is inspired by a true incident of an accident victim. “We took the help of a doctor at Deccan Hospital who did the face transplant; He explained the process to us and helped us portray that part with some authenticity.
Vishwak Sen’s involvement in the courtroom drama happened by accident. The actor came as the chief guest to launch the teaser face painting, By then, the team had completed 70% of the film. “He heard our story and wanted to be a part of the cause that the film highlighted. By evening, he has become a member of the team. face painting sees Sandeep collaborating again with music composer Kala Bhairav, whom he has known since the short film days, Athidi, “We share a great rapport and he understands exactly what I need.”
the initial plan was to take face painting For direct release on OTT platform. However, most platforms had changed their programming plans post-lockdown and were hesitant to take up a film without any big names in the lead cast.
face painting The team was unsure of their next move. Word of mouth promotion and success of recent Telugu horror dramas Draft Gave him the confidence to go for a theatrical release. “Later color photo National Award, people only know the bright side of our recognition and respect by Chiranjeevi Garu, The ground reality is very difficult for filmmakers without stars. But we are confident that we can make a mark.