Rohit and Sasi | |
---|---|
Born | Rohit Penumatsa a.k.a. Avanti Ruya 10 September 1988 Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Camp Sasi 30 March 1976 Naoroji Camp, Telangana |
Alma mater | Loyola College, Chennai (Rohit Penumatsa) TGLV, Polytechnic, Adoni (Camp Sasi) |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2011–present |
Rohit and Sasi [1] (stylized as Rohit & Sasi) are Indian independent filmmakers known for the web series Story Discussion and Nirudyoga Natulu through their production house, Avanti Cinema, praised for unique storytelling, innovative filmmaking, and a dedication to non-mainstream narratives. [2] They are also known for their film Sheeshmahal which was first shot in 2013, was released on 14 February 2024.[ citation needed ]
Since 2011, all films scripted, or directed by Rohit and Sasi fell under the banner of Avanti Chitranaalayam until 2021 when they formally established themselves as Avanti Cinema. [3] [4]
Rohit and Sasi's first notable collaboration was on the film Sheeshmahal , which was shot in 2013 and had a delayed release on 14 February 2024. Rohit served as the films screenplay-editor, with Vivek Sagar as the music director, Gnana Shekar V. S. as the director of photography, and Rahul Ramakrishna as the lead actor. The film was shot at the 13th International Children's Film Festival India in Hyderabad. The film also was screened at many events. [5] [6] The film had a limited released at Prasads Multiplex and an OTT release on ETVWIN. [7]
In 2016, paying homage to Jafar Panahi's Taxi Tehran , Rohit and Sasi presented A Love Letter to Cinema. Produced by Anil AKC, the film premiered on YouTube on 18 September 2016, featuring Vivek Sagar's return as the music director. [8] [9]
Teaming up with Tamada Media and Karthik Kult Kreations, Rohit and Sasi ventured into the web series domain with Story Discussion in 2017. The series' success led Mic TV to commission them for Nirudyoga Natulu , released on YouTube from 28 April 2018, to 24 June 2018. [4] After the success of Nirudyoga Natulu, Anvesh Michael [10] and Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari [11] went on to fulfill the prophecy of the characters of aspiring actors they played, as Anvesh became a lead in Aha's Kotha Poradu , [12] and Jagadeesh eventually landed a supporting role in Sukumar's Pushpa: The Rise . [13]
Later in 2018, the duo unveiled Ajeeb Dastan, a 35-minute short film serving as a spin-off centered on the character Harsha the Writer from the Story Discussion series. At the Ajeeb Dastan screening, Rohit & Sasi presented a pitch trailer for the "Season 2 of Story Discussion" as part of a crowdfunding campaign. [14]
Double Engine , released on 5 January 2024, represents a significant shift for Rohit Penumatsa and Sasi Camp as they venture into the realm of theatrical filmmaking. Produced under Waltair Productions by Siddharth Rallapalli and Vishwadev Rachakonda, known for their successful film Pareshan, this mass commercial project departs from the duo's previous web-based productions. The film, featuring Vivek Sagar's musical compositions, unfolds against the rustic backdrop of Telangana. [15]
Post release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Rohit & Sasi decided to Screen their film with Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari - Chivaraku Migiledhi at Ramanaidu Studios on 25th December 2024, and also make it available for streaming on YouTube on same day. Marking their third release in year 2024 after Double Engine [15] in January, and Sheeshmahal in February 2024. [7]
Year | Title | Directors | Actor | Editor | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Marijuana In Smaller Towns (M.I.S.T) | Rohit | Yes | |||
2018 | Ajeeb Dastan | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Mohan Kumar | |
2021 | Gadavani Kaalam | Rohit | Yes | |||
The Scene | Sasi | Yes | Director | |||
Beer Fiction | Sasi | Yes | ||||
Akrama Sambandham | Yes | Yes | ||||
2022 | Etthulu | Sasi | Yes | Debter | Co-written and co-directed by Divya | |
2023 | The Scene: Take Two | Sasi | Yes | |||
2023 | Rights | Ramana Reddy | Sasi | Yes | Raju | |
Year | Title | Directors | Writers | Actor | Editor | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | A Love Letter to Cinema | Yes | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Driver | |
2017 | Ranganaayaki | Yes | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Mohan Kumar | |
2021 | Pickpocket | No | No | Rohit | Yes | Cameo | |
2024 | Double Engine | Rohit | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Farmhouse owner | Cameo [16] Sasi as lyricist |
Sheeshmahal | Sasi | Yes | Yes | Cameramen | Multilingual film [2] [17] | ||
Chivaraku Migiledhi | Yes | Yes | Yes | 25th December 2024 | |||
TBD | Madhu Babu | Yes | No | Yes | Filming | ||
3GT — Gopi Galla Goa Trip | Yes | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Cameo appearance; post production | ||
A Love Letter to Theatre | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
Year | Title | Creators | Directors | Writers | Actor | Editor | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017-2022 | Story Discussion | Yes | Rohit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rohit as cameo appearance Sasi as Mohan Kumar, Prakash Chowdary | Sasi as lyricist |
2018 | Nirudyoga Natulu | Yes | Yes [a] | Yes | Sasi | Yes | Rahul Karun | |
2020 | Kotha Poradu | No | No | No | Sasi | Yes | Production Head | Sasi as lyricist |
Collaborator | Role | M.I.S.T | Sheeshmahal | A Love Letter to Cinema | Story Discussion | Nirudyoga Natulu | Ranganaayaki | Ajeeb Dastan | Pickpocket | Etthulu | Akrama Sambandham | The Scene | Madhu Babu | Double Engine | Chivaraku Migiledhi | Gopi Galla Goa Trip (#3GT) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gnana Shekar V. S. | Cinematographer | |||||||||||||||
Vivek Sagar | Music Director | |||||||||||||||
Gayathri Gupta | Actor | |||||||||||||||
John Kottoly | Actor | |||||||||||||||
Laxman Meesala | Actor | |||||||||||||||
Rahul Ramakrishna | Actor | Additional vocals | ||||||||||||||
Bharat Vyas N | Cinematographer | |||||||||||||||
Anvesh Michael | Actor | |||||||||||||||
Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari | Actor | Cameo | [18] | Cameo | (Singer) | |||||||||||
Raj Tirandasu | Actor | |||||||||||||||
Teja ASGK | Sound Design | |||||||||||||||
Jubin Raj | Sound Design | |||||||||||||||
Snehal Jangala | Producer | |||||||||||||||
Sanal George | Sound Design | |||||||||||||||
Divya Bandaru | Actor, Director | (director) | (director) | |||||||||||||
Shashank Raghavula | Cinematographer | |||||||||||||||
Ramana Reddy | Producer | |||||||||||||||
Smaran | Music Director | |||||||||||||||
Ravi Nidamarthy | Music Director | Mixtape |
Allu Arjun is an Indian actor who works in Telugu cinema. One of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema, Allu Arjun has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2014. He is a recipient of several awards including a National Film Award, six Filmfare Awards, and three Nandi Awards. He is regarded as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema. He is popularly referred to as "Stylish Star" and "Icon Star".
Pushpa Hans Kapoor (1917–2011) was an Indian playback singer and actor of the Hindi and Punjabi film industries in the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her songs in the 1950 Hindi film, Sheesh Mahal and her acting in the 1949 film Apna Desh. She was a recipient of the fourth highest Indian civilian award of the Padma Shri.
Vivek Sagar is an Indian music composer, record producer and playback singer who works in Telugu cinema. He debuted with the film, Pelli Choopulu (2016). Upon critical acclaim for the album garnered him his first nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu at 64th Filmfare Awards South.
Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language buddy comedy film written and directed by Tharun Bhascker, and produced by D. Suresh Babu under Suresh Productions. The film stars Vishwak Sen, Sai Sushanth Reddy, Abhinav Gomatam, Venkatesh Kakumanu, Anisha Ambrose, Simran Choudhary, and Galusheya Daria. Music was composed by Vivek Sagar with cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy and editing by Ravi Teja Girijala. Released on June 29, 2018, the film initially received mixed reviews from critics but went on to become a commercial success. Over time, it has achieved cult classic status.
Nirudyoga Natulu is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language web series created by Rohit Penumatsa and Camp Sasi. This series revolves around a couple of unemployed actors, Laxman, Anvesh Michael, Pawon Ramesh and Jagadeesh, who struggle with their lives as they strive to act in movies. The series consists of 10 episodes which were released on the YouTube channel Mic Tv.
Pushpa: The Rise is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Sukumar, and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media, and is the first installment in the Pushpa franchise. The film stars Allu Arjun as Pushpa Raj, a coolie who rises in a syndicate that smuggles red sandalwood, a rare wood that grows only in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. It also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Dhananjaya, Sunil, and Ajay Ghosh.
Story Discussion is an Indian Telugu-language web series that first premiered in 2017, created by Rohit Penumatsa and Camp Sasi, featuring music composed by Vivek Sagar. The series explores the chaotic world behind the scenes of the film industry, with the first season released directly on the YouTube channel RunwayReel Originals unfolding in the office of Mohan Kumar, a director known for successful low-budget action films. The cast includes Camp Sasi, Karthik Sabareesh, Harshavardhana, Laxman Meesala, Gayathri Gupta, SS Varma, and others.
SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu is presented by Vibri media group as part of its annual South Indian International Movie Awards, for the best acting done by an actor in a supporting role in Telugu films. The award was first given in 2012 for films released in 2011. Rajendra Prasad is the most nominated with six nominations and most awarded with three wins.
Kotha Poradu is a 2020 Indian Telugu-language romantic Drama webseries written and directed by debutant Anvesh Michael for Allu Aravind's streaming platform Aha. Series stars Anvesh Michael, Raj Tirandasu, Sai Prasanna, and Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari in lead roles. The series was one of the first five shows produced for the launch of Aha, scheduled to release on 8 February 2020. Smaran, who has composed brilliant music for the Director Krish's Masti's composed tracks for Kotha Poradu.
Smaran is an Indian music composer who works in Telugu cinema. He made his debut with Ajay Bhupathi's RX 100 in 2018 and worked on Krish's Masti's and Anvesh Michael's Kotha Poradu that released on aha in the year 2020.
Anvesh Michael is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. In 2020, Anvesh made his directorial debut with Kotha Poradu for Aha that released on 8 February 2020. He made his first appearance in 2018's Nirudyoga Natulu directed by Rohit–Sasi. Soon after this he was approached by Raj Rachakonda for a supporting role in Chintakindi Mallesham's biopic starring Priyadarshi, also titled Mallesham.
Ante Sundaraniki! is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Vivek Athreya. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, it stars Nani and Nazriya Nazim. The film tells the story of Sundar and Leela, an interfaith couple who try to convince their parents about their marriage through a string of lies only to find themselves in more complicated situations.
Ram Miriyala is an Indian playback singer, record producer, music composer, film scorer, promo producer and songwriter in Telugu cinema.
Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari is an Indian actor who prominently worked in Telugu films. He made his debut with Avanti Cinema's Nirudyoga Natulu in 2018 and was seen in Raj Rachakonda's Mallesham followed by George Reddy and Palasa 1978. His role as Kesava in the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise brought him nationwide recognition. He was arrested in 2023 for allegedly abetting his ex-girlfriend's suicide.
Wanted Pandugod is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language comedy film directed by Sreedhar Seepana and features Sunil, Sudigali Sudheer, and Deepika Pilli in primary roles. The film was released on 19 August 2022.
Pushpa 2: The Rule is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, in association with Sukumar Writings. The film stars Allu Arjun in the title role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj. It is the second instalment of the Pushpa film series and the sequel to Pushpa: The Rise (2021). The film follows Pushpa Raj, a small time daily wagerer risen to the ranks of sandalwood smuggler, who struggles to sustain his business as he faces tough opposition from the police led by Shekhawat.
Sathi Gani Rendu Ekuralu is a 2023 Indian Telugu comedy-drama film written and directed by Abhinav Reddy Danda and produced by Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar. Y under the banner Mythri Movie Makers. The film features Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Mohana Sree, Vennela Kishore and Raj Tirandasu in primary roles. Sathi Gani Rendu Ekuralu was premiered on 26 May 2023 on the streaming service Aha.
Double Engine is a 2024 Indian Telugu crime thriller film written by Rohit–Sasi and directed by Rohit Penumatsa. Vivek Sagar has composed the music for the film. Siddharth Rapalli is the producer of the film, under Waltair Productions banner. The film's primary cast has newcomers. The film was theatrically released on 5 January 2024.
Sheeshmahal is a 2024 Indian anthology film, based on India's International Children's Film Festival, and directed by Camp Sasi. The film is jointly produced by Million Dreams Creations and Avanti Chitranaalayam. Vivek Sagar has composed music for the film with Piyush Mishra and Rahul Ram of Indian Ocean (band) as lyricist and singers. The film also depicts majority of Hyderabad city and its culture before the metro lookover. Although the film was shot in 2013, and had a few private screening events, the film was theatrically released on 14 February 2024. The film features segments in Telugu and English.