Roopa Rao’s journey in the predominantly male-centric world of cinema is one of determination and exceptional talent. Known for her petite but mighty presence, Rao has made a name for herself as a writer, director, and producer. Her transition from a project manager at Infosys to a celebrated filmmaker began with her work on the critically acclaimed web series, *The Other Love Story* (2016).
Following the success of the series, Roopa directed the award-winning Kannada film *Gantumoote* (2019), a poignant narrative focusing on the academic pressures faced by young students. Despite the multifaceted challenges of filmmaking, Roopa’s collaboration with cinematographer Sahadev Kelavadi proved to be a compelling partnership. Together, they produced the film, combining their unique artistic visions into one cohesive project.
Their collaboration continued with *Kenda*, Sahadev Kelavadi’s directorial debut and Roopa’s third venture as a producer. The yet-to-be-released movie was recently showcased at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival held in April in New Delhi, where Sahadev won the prestigious Best Debut Director Award.
“I am thrilled about the win for *Kenda*,” shared Roopa while navigating through the bustling streets of Bengaluru, on her way to oversee a Hindi film shoot she is currently executive producing. Though she couldn’t divulge much about her current project, she expressed immense pride and joy over the award.
Roopa emphasized that the recognition from the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival serves as a significant validation for their efforts. “This award is a reassurance that we are on the right path and telling the right stories. It has encouraged us to create more films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflect reality,” she said.
Roopa and Sahadev’s professional relationship spans over a decade, built on mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s creative narratives. Roopa revealed that she had been familiar with Sahadev’s vision for *Kenda* since they first met. “Sahadev has been narrating the story of *Kenda* to me for years. I knew the story intimately and understood his cinematic vision.”
The synergy between them is palpable, resulting from their aligned yet distinct thought processes. This dynamic was evident in their work on *Gantumoote*, and it continues to shine through in *Kenda*. “We knew that *Gantumoote* would be our first film and *Kenda* our second,” Roopa explained. She highlighted that their collaborative work on the script revealed Sahadev’s unique and sensitive approach, qualities vividly reflected on screen.
*Kenda* is described by Roopa as a satirical slice of life that mirrors societal realities. She explained that the film depicts a relatable narrative about a young hooligan. “Even rowdy behavior has a spectrum.
. There are those who instigate fear by throwing stones and others who resort to killing. *Kenda* explores the life of a young man who uses violence to terrorize society,” she elaborated.
Roopa’s inclination towards offbeat topics stems from a desire to address overlooked issues through cinema. “Films have the power to tell engaging stories about the myriad issues happening around us that no one else seems to be talking about,” she asserted.
Her passion for cinema over books was cultivated in her childhood, where every film she watched left a significant impact. This bedrock of cinematic inspiration led her to take a bold step away from a secure IT career in her late 20s, diving headfirst into filmmaking. “If I did not explore this path, I knew I would regret it. It was a leap of faith and I have never looked back,” she reflected.
Roopa believes that storytelling transcends physical borders. “If a story resonates with me, I would like to bring it to the screen. If circumstances prevent me, I will support someone who can,” she asserted, epitomizing her inclusive and supportive outlook in the film industry.
Reflecting on the recent recognition, Sahadev Kelvadi expressed his elation over the international jury’s recognition of *Kenda*. “The jury included writers, editors, directors, and critics from various walks of life. We were thrilled that the film was appreciated by fellow filmmakers,” he said, though he acknowledged the anticipation surrounding its public reception.
*Kenda* also marks the debut of music composer Ritwik Kaikini, son of acclaimed lyricist Jayanth Kaikini. Featuring actors like BV Bharath, Pranav Sridhar, Vinod Susheela, and others, the movie is currently under review by the censor board. Sahadev remains optimistic about minimal cuts, given the film’s non-objectionable content.
Despite the accolades, Sahadev emphasizes the collective effort that brought *Kenda* to life. “This award belongs to the entire team. Everyone contributed with passion, and even as they move on to other projects, they remain intrinsically linked to *Kenda*,” he asserted.
The Dada Saheb Phalke Award has not only heightened Sahadev’s profile but also piqued interest for future projects. “The journey to this point was filled with ups and downs, which prepared me to handle the challenges of making *Kenda*,” he shared. For both Roopa and Sahadev, the journey continues with a renewed resolve to push creative boundaries and tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
