
Three years ago, Natesh Hegde, the writer-director behind the critically-acclaimed Kannada film Pedro, was pleasantly surprised to receive a positive response from Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Their friendship blossomed from that moment, with regular meetings at film festivals worldwide and in Mumbai. This personal connection has now evolved into a professional partnership, with Natesh currently in Mumbai shooting for Anurag's upcoming dark comedy thriller. Natesh, along with Raj B Shetty, is thrilled about their roles in the film, describing it as "crazy."
Natesh discusses the contrast between Indian film industries, admiring the ease with which Bollywood creates films compared to other regions. He emphasizes that the focus should be on the art of cinema, rather than geographical divisions. Acting is a passion Natesh has explored alongside his directing career, appearing in his own project, Vagachipani, and collaborating with Anurag on the Malayalam film Rifle Club. Although acting is a fulfilling experience, Natesh reaffirms that directing will always be his primary passion.
Furthermore, Natesh believes that cross-industry collaborations are vital for artists, recognizing the importance of support and opportunities from colleagues like Rishab Shetty and Raj B Shetty in his filmmaking journey. He encourages a united approach among filmmakers to enhance creativity and grow collectively in the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry."We should focus on improving ourselves rather than obsessing over the number of views on OTT platforms. It is essential to create quality films and engage with a diverse range of creative individuals." — Natesh Hegde, writer-director