Renowned screenwriter and producer Kona Venkat recently shared his candid views on the film industry, describing it as “heartless” and emphasizing the role of success in earning respect within the industry. Speaking in a conversation with a YouTube channel, Venkat stated that success is the key factor that determines respect in the industry.
“If I had to describe the industry in one word, it’s heartless,” Venkat remarked. “The industry only values success. If you’re successful, you get respect. The day you’re not successful, your calls go unanswered.”
Venkat acknowledged the commercial nature of the industry, stating that it’s impossible to blame anyone for this reality. “A film’s budget is often in crores, and if a film flops due to a story I provided, why would any actor or producer choose to work with me again? While I may have the determination to deliver a hit, there’s no guarantee they’ll trust me again. In this industry, it’s all about numbers, not emotions,” he explained.
He further pointed out the disparity in opportunities for directors based on their track records. “Successful directors get opportunities from heroes, but if they deliver two flops, their calls aren’t answered. In this industry, success is paramount, and there’s no formula for it. Without success, it’s challenging to work with big stars, and in such cases, small heroes may be the way forward. That’s what I did with Geethanjali,” he concluded.
