About Us

Sravani Media Communications began as an experiment by local artists Venkata Narayana and brothers in 1985. The artists noticed that there was a thriving underground movie culture in Hyderabad , yet the community-at-large, including budding artists and producers, were not aware of procedures, audition locations, and entrepreneurial opportunities. We  realized that a unifying organization could bring the filmmaking to the common man  in a productive and inspiring way. 

History:
I, Venkata Narayana, as a writer-director with a 25 min psychological thriller, "Indradhanussu", which was aired on Dooradarshan, Hyderabad, in 1994. This short film fetched me the most coveted "Best Debutant Director" award from Government of Andhra Pradesh. 'Indradhanussu' also bagged 'Best Telefilm' and 'Best Cinematographer' Awards. It was a collective production by four friends - Myself, Som Kolluri, Mahi and Sreedhar S Parigi. Encouraged with the result, we made our next Telefilm "Galipatam", which was also aired on DD, Hyderabad (written by me and directed by my friend Som Kolluri). Som Kolluri bagged "Best Debutant Director" award next year in 1995 for this short film.

After that we approached sensational director Mr.Ramgopal Varma, who gave Telugu cinema a path breaking movie and changed the direction of Telugu cinema making as such, with our works in hand. We got overwhelming response from him, which we never dreamt of.

We are actually stunned by his appreciation about our work. It was really a great movement in our life. He offered us a project on his banner. We worked on the project for nearly 8 months. But when 'Rangeela' was released and became a run away hit, Ramu shifted to Mumbai. To our utter dismay the project got shelved for ever. Unfortunately, we being based in Hyderabad (Som went to states after that ), could not move to Mumbai as desired by Mr. Ramu, hence could not associate him after that. Even today we regret missing that lifetime opportunity. But as mortals what can we do? fate is always there wearing a wicked smile.

Nevertheless, I continued my journey as a creative head. I made several short, documentary and tele-films. I focused on my strengths (storyline, screenplay, technical excellence and of course direction). My friends were busy making music albums and music videos, which were instant successes. Our works got us many more awards from time to time.

In 2004 I decided to venture in to feature filmmaking. I was always wanted rather longing to make different cinema but general approach of the industry people in Telugu is towards run-of-the-mill stuff. They believe strongly that, that can only fetch them commercial successes. I wanted to bring in some novelty to the existing movie format. Rather a fresh storytelling and screenplay. After going around several producers for about 3 years and failing to convince them for a different cinema, I decided to pull up my sleeves and organized my own funds with the help of few of my friends, who encouraged me morally and financially. I owe them my success. Thus materialized CELL.

Shot in just 20 days schedule with mostly television stars the film was a fresh approach to storytelling. ADLABS one of the big distributors in India were instantly convinced to go for it once they saw the first copy. The released was done e on 15th August 2008. It was ADLABS first Telugu release in India and a dream debut for me. The film industry and audience responded overwhelmingly. I could not ask for anything more

The film was actually intended towards making a difference in storytelling and technical aspects in Telugu fimmaking. The subject matter was also not universal and not for wider and general audience. (Actually we were in no position to make a commercial potboiler given our shoestring budget of 40,00,000 INR). In the process of undergoing the pangs of making a film, we learned a lot about the producer's problems and technician's plight. It was nothing short of film school training. And it helped. My career was boosted.

So with all that experience and background we are now planning to produce films with commercial elements keeping the creative part intact. (Though with the success of my first film I have been approached by several producers I have decided not to go since I doesn't want to get in to that rat race of making films for producer's sole commercial intent.) We are sure the future is for different cinema. And we are doubly sure of our success. To strengthen our financial aspect, we are looking for like minded people and producers to join hands with and share the experience and success. Initially we intend to stick to Telugu films and later on branch out to other languages.

Statistics say that the film industry has a general record of just 2-5% success rate. Yes if you go by mere statistics its true since statistics cannot have two numbers. But why do most of the films flop? For small films it's the age old problem of budget. Due to lack of sufficient budget they end up as half backed products. For most of the big films the reason is obvious. Few good small films, which succeed initially, lack in other aspects like marketing and distribution and end up unsuccessful too. They fail to reach the audience mainly due to lack of publicity and release budget and to some extent inexperience of the producer. With our own experience we can say without doubt that a film made with a well-written script, right and reasonable publicity, dedicated execution and controlled budget can never fail.

Feedback : tungaturthy@smallproducer.com.