Netflix not looking at Kannada cinema now: Kannada actor Sanchith Sanjeev
Kannada actor Sanchith Sanjeev, nephew of Kichcha Sudeep, spoke to India Today about his debut film Mango Pachcha, challenges in Kannada cinema, nepotism and filmmaking dreams. He also made some explosive claims about the OTT space in Kannada cinema.
Mango Pachcha, the Kannada crime drama directed by Viveka, marked the big-screen debut of Sanchith Sanjeev, nephew of Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Sanchith Sanjeev opened up about the unconventional promotional campaign behind Mango Pachcha, why he chose to debut with a film that defied commercial expectations, the challenges in Kannada industry, his admiration for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, growing up around Kichcha Sudeep, and his long-term aspirations as both an actor and filmmaker.
He also spoke about the need to empower writers, the lack of OTT opportunities for Kannada cinema, and why he hopes to one day direct his uncle in a film inspired by the intensity of Sarkar, among many other things.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. The promotional campaign for Mango Pachcha was unusual. The makers spoke about the film, but the actors largely stayed away from interviews before release. What was the idea behind that?
A: I don't know if it worked or not, but I think it was one of the best things we did for the film and for the actors themselves.
We were very confident about the film we had made. Because nobody had seen me on screen before – there would have been nothing else to talk about if I had been sitting in front of the media. Today, you're able to ask me questions about the film, my performance and my experience because you've watched the film.
So I wouldn't call it a strategy. It was a conscious decision. We felt it was better to let the film come out first. Then there would be a lot more for me to talk about. Otherwise, most of my answers would have been, "Please watch the film." Our interactions would have been very limited. I think it was better that people formed an opinion about me and the film first.
Q. Why did you choose Mango Pachcha as your debut film? It wasn't the conventional launch vehicle for a newcomer.
A: Somebody has to do it. I'm not saying I'm going to bring about a huge change in the Kannada film industry, but I certainly want to do my part.
Keeping in mind the current situation of the industry, I felt we as a team dared to do something very different. I think that's what people are appreciating as well, especially the creative choices we made.
I loved the story, the emotional journey and the way it moves through different highs and lows. I also loved the idea of Mysuru becoming a character in the film. That's something I connected with immediately. As an actor, I saw a lot of scope in the character and felt there was enough space for me to really perform and show different shades.
Q. The film's world and characters seem expansive enough for a series. Was that ever discussed?
A: That would require us to reach a certain level first. Right now, we're not getting that kind of reciprocation from OTT platforms.
To be honest, I think we as an industry have to take some of the blame for that. It's not easy. No Netflix is looking at Kannada cinema right now. Prime Video may take a film, but they have their own business models and considerations.
At this point, we're almost in a space where visibility itself feels like a win. Business and art go hand in hand, and without that support, it's difficult to take these ideas further. I'm glad you feel the film has the potential for a series because there are so many characters and stories within this world that can be explored.
What makes it frustrating is that we have incredible talent. Most of our cinematographers, stunt choreographers and music directors work across industries. The talent is here. The question is why we're not getting the same opportunities to showcase it. That's one of the biggest challenges Kannada cinema is facing today.
Q. Is changing that perception something you hope to contribute towards as your career grows?
A: I can't do that alone. I really don't think one person can change it.
Everybody wants Kannada cinema to grow. Everybody has a vision and wants to help. But there are certain decisions we're taking as an industry that we need to look at first. We need to understand where we're faltering and what the root cause of the problem is.
More than anything, I feel we need to support writers better. We often talk about directors, but writers are the people who build cinema. If we can be kinder to them financially and give them the respect they deserve, we can really grow as an industry.
I'm sure there are many writers with great stories to tell, but they also have to think about their lives and careers. Looking at the current situation, many of them might choose the safety of a regular job instead. Once we start appreciating the people who actually build cinema, I think it will take us a long way.
Q. Which film left the biggest impact on you while growing up?
A: For me, it would be Huccha. Not just because it starred my uncle [Sudeep], but because it was such a significant moment in his life and career.
I remember there would be multiple screenings, and we'd keep calling people, asking them to watch the film. I've probably watched Huccha around 28 times in theatres because I would accompany them everywhere. That experience left a huge impact on me.
What stayed with me wasn't just that it was my uncle's film, but the story itself. It breaks your heart in the end. That's when it really sank in for me that cinema is capable of making people feel something so deep.
After Huccha, the film that really stayed with me was Sarkar. I'm a huge fan of Ram Gopal Varma.
I still remember watching the film in theatres and coming back home with it stuck in my head. I got the CD and kept watching it repeatedly. I loved the anger, the intensity and the way those characters were presented.
I remember calling Deepmama (Kichcha Sudeep) and telling him, "I think I've decided that I want to become a filmmaker." He asked me what had happened, and I told him, "I think RGV has gotten into me." Even today, that remains one of my favourite genres and something I would love to explore.
Q. You eventually got the opportunity to meet Ram Gopal Varma. What was that experience like?
A: You have no idea what that felt like. The first time he walked into our house, I was just a kid observing everything from a distance.
Later, when I decided I wanted to pursue filmmaking, I got the chance to visit his office. He was working on Satya 2 at the time. The first thing he did was take me to the edit room and show me portions of the film.
After that, we had a long conversation. I told him I wanted to work with him as an assistant director. That's when he said something I'll never forget. He told me, "There's nothing to learn from me. Just watch movies and start making films."
He even joked about how he lost the clapboard on his first day as an assistant director and got thrown out of the shoot. He's a very interesting man. The amount of knowledge he has, especially about Mumbai's mafia world, is astonishing. Just sitting and listening to him talk is an experience in itself.
Q. Kichcha Sudeep has an intimidating screen presence. Is he equally intimidating at home?
A: Honestly, every time I meet him, I still feel like I need to find an ice-breaker.
He's a person who spends a lot of time in his own head. He plays a lot of chess and thinks deeply about everything. Every decision is calculated, and every thought goes to a great level of detail.
Over time, we've learnt to understand the space he's in. There are days when he's extremely jovial and relaxed, and there are days when you know something is running through his mind. During those times, we just give him his space because he doesn't get much of that. Even among our group of friends, everyone understands that when he's thinking about something, it's best to let him be.
Q. There have been reports about a slate of upcoming films featuring Kichcha Sudeep. Will you be part of any of them?
A: No, not at the moment. I don't think I've made it that big yet to be part of his films.
Maybe sometime in the future. We haven't consciously sat down and discussed what kind of projects we should do together. But I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities come my way.
For me, the day I get the chance to share screen space with someone like him, it will also mean that I've built an identity for myself. That's something I'm definitely looking forward to.
Q. You've often spoken about your interest in direction. If you could direct Kichcha Sudeep in a film, what kind of story would you choose?
A: Something like Sarkar. That's a space I would love to explore with him.
Like you said, he already has that intimidating presence. There are moments in Sarkar where Amitabh Bachchan's character doesn't have to do anything. He just gives a look and the entire room understands what he wants.
Sudeep has that quality. He can sit in one place and command the atmosphere around him. That's something I would really love to explore as a filmmaker.
Whether I act alongside him or direct him, I think directing him would be the more exciting challenge. I don't know how much I would get scolded for it, but I wouldn't mind at all. (Laughs)
About Mango Pachcha
Set against the backdrop of Mysuru's underbelly, the film follows the journey of Prashantha alias Pachcha, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn as he navigates crime, ambition and power.
Released on June 5, the film has drawn attention for its rooted storytelling, distinctive creative choices, and Sanchith's performance in his first leading role.
Mango Pachcha, the Kannada crime drama directed by Viveka, marked the big-screen debut of Sanchith Sanjeev, nephew of Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Sanchith Sanjeev opened up about the unconventional promotional campaign behind Mango Pachcha, why he chose to debut with a film that defied commercial expectations, the challenges in Kannada industry, his admiration for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, growing up around Kichcha Sudeep, and his long-term aspirations as both an actor and filmmaker.
He also spoke about the need to empower writers, the lack of OTT opportunities for Kannada cinema, and why he hopes to one day direct his uncle in a film inspired by the intensity of Sarkar, among many other things.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. The promotional campaign for Mango Pachcha was unusual. The makers spoke about the film, but the actors largely stayed away from interviews before release. What was the idea behind that?
A: I don't know if it worked or not, but I think it was one of the best things we did for the film and for the actors themselves.
We were very confident about the film we had made. Because nobody had seen me on screen before – there would have been nothing else to talk about if I had been sitting in front of the media. Today, you're able to ask me questions about the film, my performance and my experience because you've watched the film.
So I wouldn't call it a strategy. It was a conscious decision. We felt it was better to let the film come out first. Then there would be a lot more for me to talk about. Otherwise, most of my answers would have been, "Please watch the film." Our interactions would have been very limited. I think it was better that people formed an opinion about me and the film first.
Q. Why did you choose Mango Pachcha as your debut film? It wasn't the conventional launch vehicle for a newcomer.
A: Somebody has to do it. I'm not saying I'm going to bring about a huge change in the Kannada film industry, but I certainly want to do my part.
Keeping in mind the current situation of the industry, I felt we as a team dared to do something very different. I think that's what people are appreciating as well, especially the creative choices we made.
I loved the story, the emotional journey and the way it moves through different highs and lows. I also loved the idea of Mysuru becoming a character in the film. That's something I connected with immediately. As an actor, I saw a lot of scope in the character and felt there was enough space for me to really perform and show different shades.
Q. The film's world and characters seem expansive enough for a series. Was that ever discussed?
A: That would require us to reach a certain level first. Right now, we're not getting that kind of reciprocation from OTT platforms.
To be honest, I think we as an industry have to take some of the blame for that. It's not easy. No Netflix is looking at Kannada cinema right now. Prime Video may take a film, but they have their own business models and considerations.
At this point, we're almost in a space where visibility itself feels like a win. Business and art go hand in hand, and without that support, it's difficult to take these ideas further. I'm glad you feel the film has the potential for a series because there are so many characters and stories within this world that can be explored.
What makes it frustrating is that we have incredible talent. Most of our cinematographers, stunt choreographers and music directors work across industries. The talent is here. The question is why we're not getting the same opportunities to showcase it. That's one of the biggest challenges Kannada cinema is facing today.
Q. Is changing that perception something you hope to contribute towards as your career grows?
A: I can't do that alone. I really don't think one person can change it.
Everybody wants Kannada cinema to grow. Everybody has a vision and wants to help. But there are certain decisions we're taking as an industry that we need to look at first. We need to understand where we're faltering and what the root cause of the problem is.
More than anything, I feel we need to support writers better. We often talk about directors, but writers are the people who build cinema. If we can be kinder to them financially and give them the respect they deserve, we can really grow as an industry.
I'm sure there are many writers with great stories to tell, but they also have to think about their lives and careers. Looking at the current situation, many of them might choose the safety of a regular job instead. Once we start appreciating the people who actually build cinema, I think it will take us a long way.
Q. Which film left the biggest impact on you while growing up?
A: For me, it would be Huccha. Not just because it starred my uncle [Sudeep], but because it was such a significant moment in his life and career.
I remember there would be multiple screenings, and we'd keep calling people, asking them to watch the film. I've probably watched Huccha around 28 times in theatres because I would accompany them everywhere. That experience left a huge impact on me.
What stayed with me wasn't just that it was my uncle's film, but the story itself. It breaks your heart in the end. That's when it really sank in for me that cinema is capable of making people feel something so deep.
After Huccha, the film that really stayed with me was Sarkar. I'm a huge fan of Ram Gopal Varma.
I still remember watching the film in theatres and coming back home with it stuck in my head. I got the CD and kept watching it repeatedly. I loved the anger, the intensity and the way those characters were presented.
I remember calling Deepmama (Kichcha Sudeep) and telling him, "I think I've decided that I want to become a filmmaker." He asked me what had happened, and I told him, "I think RGV has gotten into me." Even today, that remains one of my favourite genres and something I would love to explore.
Q. You eventually got the opportunity to meet Ram Gopal Varma. What was that experience like?
A: You have no idea what that felt like. The first time he walked into our house, I was just a kid observing everything from a distance.
Later, when I decided I wanted to pursue filmmaking, I got the chance to visit his office. He was working on Satya 2 at the time. The first thing he did was take me to the edit room and show me portions of the film.
After that, we had a long conversation. I told him I wanted to work with him as an assistant director. That's when he said something I'll never forget. He told me, "There's nothing to learn from me. Just watch movies and start making films."
He even joked about how he lost the clapboard on his first day as an assistant director and got thrown out of the shoot. He's a very interesting man. The amount of knowledge he has, especially about Mumbai's mafia world, is astonishing. Just sitting and listening to him talk is an experience in itself.
Q. Kichcha Sudeep has an intimidating screen presence. Is he equally intimidating at home?
A: Honestly, every time I meet him, I still feel like I need to find an ice-breaker.
He's a person who spends a lot of time in his own head. He plays a lot of chess and thinks deeply about everything. Every decision is calculated, and every thought goes to a great level of detail.
Over time, we've learnt to understand the space he's in. There are days when he's extremely jovial and relaxed, and there are days when you know something is running through his mind. During those times, we just give him his space because he doesn't get much of that. Even among our group of friends, everyone understands that when he's thinking about something, it's best to let him be.
Q. There have been reports about a slate of upcoming films featuring Kichcha Sudeep. Will you be part of any of them?
A: No, not at the moment. I don't think I've made it that big yet to be part of his films.
Maybe sometime in the future. We haven't consciously sat down and discussed what kind of projects we should do together. But I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities come my way.
For me, the day I get the chance to share screen space with someone like him, it will also mean that I've built an identity for myself. That's something I'm definitely looking forward to.
Q. You've often spoken about your interest in direction. If you could direct Kichcha Sudeep in a film, what kind of story would you choose?
A: Something like Sarkar. That's a space I would love to explore with him.
Like you said, he already has that intimidating presence. There are moments in Sarkar where Amitabh Bachchan's character doesn't have to do anything. He just gives a look and the entire room understands what he wants.
Sudeep has that quality. He can sit in one place and command the atmosphere around him. That's something I would really love to explore as a filmmaker.
Whether I act alongside him or direct him, I think directing him would be the more exciting challenge. I don't know how much I would get scolded for it, but I wouldn't mind at all. (Laughs)
About Mango Pachcha
Set against the backdrop of Mysuru's underbelly, the film follows the journey of Prashantha alias Pachcha, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn as he navigates crime, ambition and power.
Released on June 5, the film has drawn attention for its rooted storytelling, distinctive creative choices, and Sanchith's performance in his first leading role.
