Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 11: Actor Priyanka Upendra’s much-anticipated directorial debut has taken an unexpected turn amid production differences, allegations of delays and a complete script overhaul, with the actor stepping behind the camera to take charge of a film intended to launch her son Aayush.

Although Priyanka had long nurtured ambitions of becoming a director, she admits that she never imagined her first opportunity would arrive under such circumstances or midway through a production. The development follows director Purushotham’s exit from the project, triggering a controversy over the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Purushotham had alleged that he was abruptly removed from the film without prior notice, despite nearly half of the shooting having been completed. He also claimed that senior cinematographer Venu was replaced without adequate explanation.

According to Purushotham, the differences stemmed from contrasting creative expectations. While he maintained that he was developing the film in keeping with the demands of its narrative, he alleged that the team wanted a much more elevated commercial presentation for Aayush.

Priyanka, however, has disputed his version of events, particularly regarding Venu’s departure. She maintained that the cinematographer's exit was the director's own decision. "The claim about Venu sir is untrue. Purushotham was the one who didn’t want him on the project," she said.

Explaining the circumstances, Priyanka said Purushotham had expressed discomfort working with the senior cinematographer, citing his seniority as a reason for feeling intimidated and finding it difficult to communicate his creative ideas. She said the production team had supported the director's decision at the time to ensure that his creative space was respected. However, according to her, the situation deteriorated further despite that accommodation.

Priyanka also pointed to prolonged delays and what she described as a lack of professional cooperation, claiming that the production house had made considerable arrangements to facilitate the director's work.

"The producers put him up in a hotel for seven months along with two assistants just to write, but he failed to deliver," she said, alleging that matters worsened after the Kashmir shooting schedule. According to Priyanka, Purushotham remained out of contact for several months and did not turn up for the editing process. Consequently, the footage remained untouched at editor KM Prakash’s studio.

She further alleged that the Bengaluru schedule was progressing at an extremely slow pace, with the director managing barely one scene a day despite the production incurring expenses running into lakhs of rupees daily. Taking a dig at the manner in which the project was handled, she said a large-scale film production could not be treated casually, like a side engagement between college lectures.

For Priyanka, the decision to take over the project was less a planned career move and more an attempt to prevent further losses. Although direction had always been on her wish list, she said she had never intended to step in halfway through a film.

"I always wanted to direct, but I never planned to step in midway like this," she explained, adding that she had to assume responsibility to safeguard the producers' substantial investment.

The transition has brought about a complete creative overhaul. Priyanka revealed that the original script has been discarded in its entirety and replaced with a new story developed by her and her team over the past month. The production will retain only the core cast, including Aayush and the female lead, as both had already signed contracts for the project.

The development effectively marks a fresh beginning for the film, with Priyanka now steering its creative direction. What began as a launch vehicle for Aayush under Purushotham's direction has now become Priyanka's first directorial venture, albeit under challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, the dispute appears to be heading towards a formal legal resolution. Priyanka confirmed that the production team is pursuing legal recourse against Purushotham over alleged unauthorised leaks of private production footage to news channels. She maintained that such material could not be circulated without the production team's consent.

The team has formally approached the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to address the matter through the appropriate legal channels.

With the original script scrapped, a new narrative in place and Priyanka taking charge, the project has undergone a significant transformation. Its eventual outcome will also mark a crucial milestone in her transition from actor to director.