Rohit Penumatsa: We are an underground movement that is frowned upon

Camp Sasi and Rohit Penumatsa, Telugu indie filmmakers with a loyal following, talk about their soon-to-release film ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and their journey

“We feel like a Scandinavian thrash metal band with a limited audience…” says Rohit Penumatsa, and Sasi, who goes by the name Camp Sasi, chips in, “...but whenever there is a concert, a lot of headbanging happens.” The independent Telugu filmmakers are looking forward to the release of their feature film Sheesh Mahal, scheduled to hit theatres soon. A few paid previews held recently witnessed full houses, with a sizeable audience being those who are familiar with their series and films available on YouTube and Avanti Cinema (avanticinema.com).

The two have a steady following among aspiring filmmakers and film aficionados who look for content that is alternative to mainstream Telugu cinema. Story Discussion (1 & 2), A Love Letter to Cinema, MIST and Nirudyoga Natulu are among their popular works. Often filmed with limited budgets and starring emerging actors and aspiring directors, their films are known for sharp commentary on the city and the film industry.

Sheesh Mahal might be gearing up for release now, but its music, composed by Vivek Sagar, has had loyal listeners in recent years. The film has been in the making for eight years, having roughed it out with resource crunches.