Actor and director Venkatesh Maha will be seen in the new Telugu web series ‘Anger Tales’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
tales of rage, the Telugu anthology that will stream on March 9 on Disney+Hotstar, features two director-actors- Venkatesh Maha and Tharun Bhaskar. The anthology, directed by Prabhala Tilak, who co-wrote the series with Kartikeya Karedla, will present four stories tied to the theme of rebellion. While Tharun has made appearances as an actor and television host, Venkatesh Maha was seen in brief roles until director Vivek Atreya cast him as the lover of Nazriya Fahad’s character. East Sundarniki. “Till date, a lot of people are angry with my character, Joseph, and express it on social media. Joseph is the ideal man in an imperfect world East Sundarniki He is full of flawed characters, so he is hated,” says Maha in his office in Hyderabad.
Maha’s first film as a writer and director, Kanchrapalem CareAfter Uma Maheshwara Ugra Rupasya (UMUR), Telugu adaptation of Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaram, established him as a director with immense potential. But very few people know that he initially went to Hyderabad from his hometown Vijayawada to become a great actor.
“I had an innate interest in storytelling and used to write songs as well. But I wanted to be an actor. I used to go to many auditions; My acting skills would be appreciated but I would never be able to play an important role,” recalls Maha.
As an outsider duking it out in Hyderabad’s Krishna Nagar area, which is a hub for film aspirants, he says it was a tall order to audition for big production houses. “I think the casting process is still disorganized and could use some streamlining. Some amazing aspiring actors who don’t like to jump from studio to studio with a portfolio usually give up on their aspirations too soon.
He sarcastically states that an acting aspirant is expected to have a portfolio of good images, and look groomed and fit while not earning much. “You have to look good so that people notice you, but how can you do that without earning?”
Maha did a variety of jobs from junior artist to working as a spot boy. In a short film competition, he stepped forward and told a story. His story was selected, and Radhika Lavu, who was an executive producer for the project, asked him to direct it. He also did a small role in that short Telugu comedy vedhav mohamtam, He says that luck made him a director.
Maha did a blink-and-miss cameo Kanchrapalem Care and in Aged, when no junior artist turned up; She made the move because “the clothing size fit me, and I wanted to work.”
Venkatesh Maha | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
one thing led to another. His former roommate, Santo Mohan Veeranki asked him to make a small part in his directorial debut, stand up rahul, “I cast her in a brief part Aged and then he asked me to chip in for it stand up rahul, Maha appeared as a stand-up comic. “Raj Tharun (head of the film), Santo and I participated in open-mic events. My early attempts at stand-up comedy were disastrous; Then Hriday Ranjan (stand-up comic and film critic) gave us suggestions. his breakthrough role came East Sundarniki, When it comes to acting offers, Maha has some do’s and don’ts. “I don’t want to be a part of projects that disrespect gender or social class. East Sundarniki It was written sensitively and I agreed.”
I note with great surprise that tales of rage he was offered before the release of stand up rahul And East Sundarniki, “I don’t know what they saw in me.” Maha liked Prabhala Tilak’s short film kalakarudu which starred Suhas and was produced by Chai Biscuit. so he was sure tales of rage will also be implemented well. “The anger of my character, Ranga, will be similar to what many Telugu audiences feel while watching movies,” he explains. The series also stars Suhas, Ravindra Vijay, Bindu Madhavi, Phani Acharya and Madonna Sebastian.
Maha’s next film as a director is in progress and he will also star in a full-fledged role in one of his future productions.