Sekhar Kammula: Women and men are the same
The characterisation is strong, especially of the hero and heroine. She is
today's woman. That was the case in Anand too. Could you comment on this?
Not just the hero and heroine, all characters are well rounded. In general, our sidekicks are there to elevate the hero. In Godavari, they are by themselves. So, I feel I am not partial to anybody. I like independent women -- I don't lighten or trivialise anyone. People say I elevate women, but I just create the characters. It probably comes from my upbringing and my stint in the US. In my family, I don't treat women differently -- I don't like reservations and niceties being given to them. Women and men are the same to me.
The natural look predominates the film. There is a dream-like quality too. How did you ensure this?
By God's grace, I see things positively. I find beauty in a lot of things -- that possibly extends to my characters. Even though there is sadness and pathos, I quickly come back to a positive mood, that too subtly. I believe my choice of profession is correct. I keep growing. When you write a script and show it on screen, it's one man's dream. You never know if you will connect with people. I am glad I am connecting the way I want to.