As a producer I do as much as I can: Niharika Konidela on women's safety on shooting sets

Niharika Konidela's production house Pink Elephant Pictures is preparing to unveil its latest series 'Bench Life'. Her mantra is simple: "Even though some films do sort of give a message, it has to be done entertainingly."

In an exclusive interview with Mathrubhumi, Niharika delves into her creative vision for 'Bench Life' and her meticulous process for selecting scripts. The actor-producer also shared her strategic approach to storytelling and the key factors she considers before greenlighting a project.

She also opens up about her thoughts on women's safety in the film industry, the lasting impact of movements like #MeToo, and how she strives to create a secure and empowering environment for women in front of and behind the camera. Read edited excerpts of the interview:

Going by the trailer, it appears you are back with another banger after the success of 'Committee Kurrollu'. How does it feel?

'Bench Life' is a story that came to Pink Elephant Pictures much before ‘Committee Kurrollu.’ When I first heard it, I was very excited about the entire bench concept because I wasn't aware of what the bench was all about. The director threw some light on it for me. Now that I have seen the entire series and how it turned out, I just think it’ll entertain people to the fullest.

That's because, I, myself, as an audience was really entertained by characters played by Vaibhav, Rajendra Prassad, Ritika Singh, and others. It’s a very fun series that deals with friendship and relationships, and the little joys in life. I want the audience to relate to the characters and get entertained to the fullest.

Do you think OTT, especially since the pandemic, helped regional content to reach a wider audience?

The lockdown has changed a lot of things for us, especially OTT wise, and also our attention span. I think it's really a good thing, especially since I am a producer who has done OTT content before and after COVID-19 , it just looks like a very bright thing to have happened because we are getting content not just from one language but multiple. The language barrier is not there anymore, especially after the pandemic. It has really expanded our horizon -- we are dubbing in as many languages and reaching out to a wider audience. As a producer I think it's a good change that has happened.

As a producer, what are the things/factors that you keep in mind while selecting a script/project?

I firstly look at its relatability. Like I said, the same thing I saw in 'Bench Life' and 'Committee Kurrollu' is that I really see the kind of relatability that it has. There are two things - either the audience wants to see over-the-top content like ‘RRR’, ‘Pushpa’ and ‘KGF’. They don't relate to the characters but they are really impressed. Or, they want content where you are really relating to the characters. 

For me, those are the things which I see -- one, being the relatability of it, and two, whether I am being entertained by it or not, because films are about entertainment. I am not here for any messages, even though some films do sort of give a message, it has to be done entertainingly.

What role do you connect most with -- an actor or a producer -- and why?

It has been proven that I am a good producer whereas I am yet to prove myself as an actor. It hs been a huge break for me as an actor after 2019. Although my Tamil film, 'Madraskaaran' is up for a release next month, I connect more as a producer than an actor.

Your brother, Varun Tej, made this Hindi debut with 'Operation Valentine'. When can we expect yours as producer/actor?

Like I said, coming from a producer's stand point, I genuinely think there is no language barrier anymore. If a director or a content creator comes to me with a script that I think is apt for Hindi, which I don't think that maybe our Telugu audience won't relate to or understand, then I will definitely make it in Hindi. I don't have a prior constraint that I want to do it in Hindi or I don't want to do it in Hindi. Actually, that's a thing with any language for me.

A lot of things have been said about women's safety in the film industry. What are your thoughts on it?

Being a producer and an actor in the industry for about seven-eight years now, I myself make sure that at least in my production house there is a lot of safety provided to women and children who work with us or in our projects. In my office, if someone has to talk to me, they don't have to wait for business days; they can straightaway walk into my office -- whether you are a production boy or a director. 

Everyone is also aware that my EP, who takes care of most of our operations, is very strict about anyone talking low of any woman or treating them as different. As a producer I do as much as I can or I should have to ensure safety in my surroundings. 

And frankly speaking, as an actor I have felt quite safe in the industry. It could or could not have been because I come from a certain family and people are scared. It could be that, I am not denying it. But as far as I am concerned, I have felt safe in the industry. But there are a lot of stories that are circulating about how women are not feeling safe in a few industries.

Has anyone ever told you their horrific experience?

When I was in college I had a friend who was trying her luck in the films. She told me how someone asked her in a very lowkey way that he will give her the character in return for some favours. He didn't ask it openly but indirectly put it in front of her. She wasn't stupid, she understood what he meant. My friend came and she was just sharing with me what had happened saying that she is not a part of the project anymore and how he spoke to her. I got really upset upon hearing it. The only person I knew who had a sort of influence in the industry was my father. I told him the producer's name and how he spoke to my friend saying he thinks he has the audacity to talk to any person like that. My father gave him an earful.

Will the #MeToo movements fix up things in the film industry in future?

I really hope so but there is something about these movements that they have two ends to it. I have seen women take advantage of movements like these. Light, of course, is being thrown at people who have done wrong and deserve it, but also there are women who are really taking it for granted and using it for their advantage. 

I think every movement like this is like a double-edged sword. But I personally think that good things, which will happen because of such movements, are going to be higher. We should not be scared to talk, especially as women if something bad happens to us. Since we (women) were kids we were put in this bubble that if something bad happens to you, then a part of it is your fault. That's the reason why I think a lot of women don’t speak out about atrocities that have happened to them; no matter how big or small it is. So now, movements like #MeToo give a voice to the women. And thus, I definitely think that it will bring about a change.