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In the latest episode of manatelugu Debutant Diaries, we interacted with young filmmaker Vinay Ratnam, the director of the upcoming film Sri Chidambaram Garu, which is set for a theatrical release on February 6.

Vinay’s love for cinema traces back to his childhood in Rajahmundry. Watching Chiranjeevi’s films in jam-packed theatres left a lasting impression on him and sparked a deep emotional connection with the big screen. Long before he seriously considered filmmaking as a career, those experiences planted the seed of passion for cinema.

After completing his 10th class, Vinay and his friends shot a small horror short film during a night out. Inspired by Ram Gopal Varma’s short film contests that were popular at the time, the group ventured into filmmaking purely out of curiosity and fun. Vinay openly admits the film wasn’t great, but the joy he felt while shooting and editing it was something new and unforgettable. That experience stayed with him and gradually shaped his aspirations.

Though he later moved to Punjab to pursue engineering at Lovely Professional University, cinema never left his thoughts. While his interest in computers and the desire to explore life beyond his hometown influenced his academic choices, his passion for films only grew stronger. Eventually, Vinay decided to follow his heart and began working on Sri Chidambaram Garu, backed by the unwavering support of his close friends.

The journey, however, was far from smooth. The film faced financial hurdles and stressful moments when resources were limited. During these challenging times, Vinay’s friends stepped up, handling multiple responsibilities on set and standing by him throughout the production. Their collective effort and teamwork played a crucial role in bringing the film to completion.

When asked about remuneration, Vinay shared that opportunity matters more than money at this stage of his career. For him, proving himself as a filmmaker through quality storytelling is the real reward.

Vinay strongly believes in emotion-driven narratives. He feels that films which touch the heart leave a lasting impact, and he hopes Sri Chidambaram Garu will connect with audiences on that emotional level.

From a cinema-loving youngster in Rajahmundry to a debut director gearing up for his first theatrical release, Vinay Ratnam’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in cinema.