The newly established Konidela Productions office was unusually lively that morning.
Although the production house had only recently been inaugurated, every corner of the building reflected the excitement of a family stepping into a new chapter.
Fresh flower garlands still decorated the entrance, the fragrance of sandalwood incense lingered in the reception area, and the polished wooden nameplate bearing the words “Konidela Productions” gleamed proudly under the morning sunlight.
Inside the conference room, three brothers sat around a large wooden table.
Chiranjeevi occupied the seat at the center, naturally carrying the aura of the family’s pillar.
Beside him sat Nagendra Babu with several files neatly arranged before him, already looking every bit like a producer.
On the other side sat Pawan Kalyan, dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans, trying his best to appear calm despite the excitement hidden in his eyes.
Across from them sat a man who looked both excited and nervous.
It was director N.
Hari Babu.
Even after entering the office, Hari Babu still found it difficult to believe everything that had happened during the past few days.
For almost a year, he had knocked on countless office doors carrying the same script.
Some producers rejected it after hearing only the genre.
Others politely praised the story before refusing to invest.
The reason was always the same.
Children’s films were considered commercially risky.
As a result, his script had remained inside his leather bag while his confidence slowly began to fade.
Yet today…
He was sitting inside the office of one of the biggest families in Telugu cinema.
Even now, it felt unreal.
Chiranjeevi noticed the director’s slightly nervous expression and smiled reassuringly.
“Hari Babu garu, please relax.”
“There is no need to feel uncomfortable here.”
Hari Babu smiled awkwardly before nodding.
“Thank you, sir.”
Chiranjeevi folded his hands on the table and spoke in a calm voice.
“I know the difficulties you’ve faced over the past year.”
“I’ve also heard that you’ve approached many producers regarding this script.”
Hari Babu lowered his head slightly.
“I won’t deny it, sir.”
“I truly believe in this story.”
“But convincing investors hasn’t been easy.”
Chiranjeevi nodded in understanding.
“That is exactly why I wanted to meet you.”
He gently pushed the bound script lying on the table.
“My family and I have read your screenplay.”
“There are a few areas that can be polished during production, but overall…”
He smiled warmly.
“It is a wonderful story.”
Hari Babu’s eyes widened.
For the first time in months, someone had genuinely appreciated his work.
Before he could thank him, Chiranjeevi continued.
“As you know, our family has recently established Konidela Productions.”
He gestured toward the office around them.
“This banner was created to support meaningful cinema.”
“After discussing everything together…”
“My family has decided that your film will become the very first project under our production house.”
For a moment…
Hari Babu simply stared at him.
He wasn’t sure whether he had heard correctly.
Then realization slowly dawned on him.
The film…
Had finally found a producer.
His lips trembled slightly.
He quickly stood up before respectfully folding his hands.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I truly don’t know how to repay this trust.”
Chiranjeevi immediately stood and gently stopped him.
“There is no need for that.”
“Repay us by making a good film.”
Hari Babu smiled sincerely.
“I promise.”
Once everyone resumed their seats, Chiranjeevi looked toward his elder brother.
“From today onward, all production-related matters will be handled by Nagendra.”
Nagendra Babu nodded confidently.
“You can discuss schedules, budgets, locations, artists and every technical requirement directly with me.”
Hari Babu immediately extended his hand.
“I look forward to working with you.”
Nagendra shook it with a smile.
“The feeling is mutual.”
After finalizing a few preliminary matters, Chiranjeevi looked toward the youngest brother sitting beside him.
“There is one more request.”
Hari Babu turned toward him attentively.
“I hope you’ll consider allowing my younger brother, Pawan, to work as your assistant director.”
Pawan immediately straightened his posture.
Although he remained quiet, excitement was clearly visible on his face.
Chiranjeevi continued earnestly.
“I don’t want any special treatment for him.”
“If he makes mistakes…”
“Scold him.”
“If he needs to learn…”
“Teach him.”
“And if necessary…”
“Make him work harder than everyone else.”
“This concerns his future.”
The room fell silent for a moment.
Hari Babu looked carefully at the young man sitting across from him.
Pawan’s eyes showed determination rather than arrogance.
After a few seconds, the director smiled.
“I have no objections.”
“Cinema is learned through experience.”
“If he’s willing to work sincerely, I’ll gladly teach him.”
Pawan immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’ll definitely work hard.”
Hari Babu chuckled.
“I’ll remember those words.”
The atmosphere inside the room became noticeably lighter.
The formal discussion slowly shifted toward creative planning.
Hari Babu opened his notebook and began explaining his vision for the film.
“I’d like to keep the story grounded.”
“The emotions should feel natural.”
“I don’t want exaggerated performances.”
“I want children to behave like real children.”
Everyone around the table nodded.
Nagendra Babu occasionally noted important points while discussing logistics and possible shooting schedules.
After nearly half an hour, Hari Babu finally reached another important topic.
“The casting.”
He closed his notebook before speaking seriously.
“I’d like complete freedom regarding the actors.”
“I’ll choose whoever best fits the characters.”
Without hesitation, Chiranjeevi nodded.
“You have it.”
Hari Babu looked surprised.
“No interference?”
Chiranjeevi smiled.
“A director should never be forced into casting decisions.”
“The responsibility for the final film rests on your shoulders.”
“If we interfere now…”
“We’ll also become responsible for every mistake.”
Hari Babu couldn’t hide his happiness.
Every director dreamed of working with producers who trusted their creative judgment.
He honestly hadn’t expected such freedom on his very first collaboration with the Konidela family.
After a brief pause, however, Chiranjeevi spoke once again.
“There is…
one request.”
Hari Babu smiled.
“I had a feeling there would be.”
The entire room laughed softly.
Chiranjeevi looked toward the family photograph placed on the nearby shelf before speaking.
“Raman.”
“He was actually the first person who encouraged me to produce this story.”
“He believes in this film very deeply.”
“I hope…”
“You’ll consider him for the lead child role.”
Hari Babu became thoughtful.
He had expected this request.
After all, it wasn’t unusual for producers to recommend family members.
Still…
He also had a responsibility toward the film itself.
After thinking carefully, he answered honestly.
“Sir…”
“I completely understand your feelings as a father.”
“But I also have a responsibility as the director.”
“I cannot promise the role without seeing his ability.”
Chiranjeevi nodded immediately.
“That’s fair.”
Hari Babu smiled politely.
“If Raman performs well during the audition…”
“I’ll happily cast him.”
“If not…”
“I hope you’ll understand.”
Chiranjeevi extended his hand without hesitation.
“Agreed.”
Hari Babu shook it firmly.
“Then let’s arrange the audition this afternoon.”
Unknown to everyone inside the room…
The little boy waiting outside the office…
Was about to take his very first step into the world of cinema.
That afternoon, the atmosphere inside Konidela Productions became much livelier.
The conference room had been rearranged into a simple audition space.
A plain curtain was hung against one wall as the background, while a video camera rested securely on its tripod.
It wasn’t a grand film set, but it was more than enough to judge a child’s natural acting ability.
Meanwhile, little Raman arrived holding his father’s hand.
He wore a simple light-blue shirt, brown shorts, and tiny sandals.
His neatly combed black hair and striking crystal-blue eyes immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Even the office staff who passed by couldn’t help smiling after seeing the cheerful little boy walking confidently into the room.
Hari Babu observed him quietly.
His first impression was excellent.
The child had an expressive face, bright eyes, and surprisingly good posture for someone only six years old.
More importantly, he wasn’t hiding behind his parents or looking frightened like most children would.
Still, appearance alone could never determine an actor.
The camera loved honesty more than beauty.
Hari Babu crouched until he was at Raman’s eye level and smiled gently.
“So you’re Raman?”
Ram nodded politely.
“Yes, Director Uncle.”
Hari Babu chuckled.
“Are you nervous?”
Ram shook his head honestly.
“A little excited.”
That answer made everyone laugh.
Even Chiranjeevi smiled proudly.
Hari Babu liked the child’s straightforward attitude.
“Good.”
“Just remember one thing.”
“Don’t think about acting.”
“Pretend you’re living the situation.”
Ram nodded seriously.
“I understand.”
Nearby, Nagendra Babu adjusted the camera while checking the frame.
“This is his first audition.”
“I want to keep the recording.”
Pawan immediately walked over to help him arrange the lights.
Although he had joined as assistant director only a few hours ago, he was already carefully observing every small detail.
Hari Babu noticed that and silently appreciated the young man’s eagerness to learn.
Once everything was ready, the room became quiet.
Hari Babu picked up a few pages from the screenplay before speaking.
“Raman.”
“The scene I’ll give you isn’t difficult.”
“I don’t want dramatic dialogue.”
“I only want emotions.”
Ram listened attentively.
Hari Babu continued.
“Imagine this.”
“Your name is Teja.”
“You accidentally witness a murder.”
“The killer doesn’t know you’ve seen everything.”
“You’re terrified.”
“You want to run.”
“But at the same time…”
“You know you must remember the killer’s face.”
“I want fear.”
“I want confusion.”
“I also want courage.”
“Can you do that?”
Ram closed his eyes for a few seconds.
He wasn’t memorizing expressions.
Instead…
He was building the scene inside his mind.
His previous life memories surfaced naturally.
The lonely rented room.
The fear before death.
The helplessness of being unable to move.
He slowly combined those emotions with the situation Hari Babu had described.
When he finally opened his eyes…
Even Chiranjeevi noticed the sudden change.
The cheerful child had disappeared.
Standing there was a frightened little boy.
Hari Babu quietly raised his hand.
“Camera.”
Nagendra Babu nodded.
“Rolling.”
“Scene One.”
“Action.”
Ram slowly turned his head as though hearing a strange noise nearby.
His eyes widened little by little.
He instinctively stepped backward.
His breathing became uneven.
Without saying a single word, his trembling hands revealed the panic building inside him.
Then…
His expression suddenly froze.
His pupils shrank.
It was as though he had witnessed something horrifying.
His lips trembled slightly, but no sound came out.
Instead of screaming…
He covered his own mouth.
His small body shook uncontrollably.
His frightened eyes looked toward an invisible killer standing several feet away.
For a brief second…
Fear completely consumed him.
Then something changed.
The fear remained…
But determination slowly appeared beneath it.
His tiny fists tightened.
His breathing steadied.
His frightened eyes carefully memorized the imaginary murderer’s face before he slowly stepped backward, trying not to make even the slightest sound. This chapter was copied from novelping dot com without permission.
Every movement felt natural.
Nothing looked exaggerated.
Nothing appeared rehearsed.
It was simply…
Believable.
Nearly thirty seconds passed.
No one spoke.
No one interrupted.
Finally, Hari Babu lowered his hand.
“Cut.”
Silence filled the room.
Ram blinked once.
The frightened expression disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
He looked around innocently.
“Director Uncle…”
“Was it okay?”
Hari Babu stared at him for several long seconds.
Then…
A smile slowly spread across his face.
He walked directly toward the child before gently placing both hands on Raman’s shoulders.
“Okay?”
He laughed warmly.
“It was wonderful.”
“You weren’t pretending.”
“You became Teja.”
Ram smiled happily.
Nearby, Nagendra Babu replayed the recording on the camera.
Everyone gathered around.
Even after watching it again…
The performance still felt remarkably genuine.
Pawan couldn’t help smiling proudly.
“Our little fellow really surprised everyone.”
Chiranjeevi remained silent for a moment.
He had taught many actors throughout his career.
He knew how difficult natural acting truly was.
Yet his own son…
Had somehow understood it instinctively.
Walking toward Raman, Chiranjeevi gently rubbed his son’s hair.
“I’m proud of you.”
Those simple words meant more to Ram than any reward.
Hari Babu closed the script with satisfaction.
“My decision is final.”
He extended his hand toward Chiranjeevi.
“Congratulations.”
“Your son is officially my Teja.”
The entire room erupted into applause.
Even the office assistants standing near the door clapped enthusiastically.
Ram couldn’t help grinning.
His first audition…
Had ended successfully.
As everyone settled down again to discuss pre-production, Hari Babu began making notes about scheduling workshops and rehearsals for the young cast.
However…
Ram suddenly raised his small hand.
“Director Uncle…”
Hari Babu smiled.
“Yes?”
“I have a suggestion.”
Everyone turned toward the little boy.
Hari Babu nodded encouragingly.
“Go ahead.”
Ram thought for a moment before speaking.
“What if…”
“We add another child character?”
Hari Babu became curious.
“What kind of character?”
“A cheerful little girl.”
“She doesn’t need many scenes.”
“But she can become Teja’s friend.”
“When children play together…”
“The movie will feel more natural.”
Hari Babu leaned back thoughtfully.
He hadn’t considered that possibility before.
The screenplay focused almost entirely on Teja.
Adding another child could create lighter moments without disturbing the story.
Nagendra Babu also nodded.
“It could improve the emotional balance.”
Even Pawan smiled.
“I like the idea.”
Hari Babu looked back at Ram.
“You’ve already thought of someone, haven’t you?”
Ram nodded immediately.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“My best friend…”
“Shruthi.”
Hari Babu frowned slightly.
“Shruthi?”
Ram smiled.
“Shruthi.”
“She’s Kamal Haasan Uncle’s daughter.”
“I’ve practiced acting with her many times.”
“She’s very expressive.”
“She’ll definitely do well.”
The room suddenly became quiet.
Hari Babu blinked twice.
“Kamal Haasan sir’s daughter?”
Ram nodded confidently.
“Yes.”
Hari Babu exchanged glances with Chiranjeevi.
Chiranjeevi simply smiled.
“They’re close family friends.”
Hari Babu couldn’t help laughing softly.
“What an interesting coincidence.”
If the little girl truly possessed even a fraction of her father’s acting talent, she might fit the role perfectly.
Closing his notebook, Hari Babu stood up.
“Very well.”
“I won’t promise the role.”
“But I’ll definitely conduct an audition.”
“If she performs well…”
“The part will be hers.”
Ram’s eyes lit up.
“Thank you, Director Uncle.”
Hari Babu smiled warmly.
“No…”
“I should thank you.”
“Today’s audition has given me two pleasant surprises.”
He looked first at Raman.
Then toward the window, imagining the little girl he would soon meet.
“If everything goes well…”
“This film may become the debut of two remarkable children.”
Outside the office, the evening sun slowly dipped below the horizon.
Inside Konidela Productions, preparations for Teja had officially begun.
Neither Raman nor anyone else realized that this small children’s film would become the first step of a journey that would one day shake Indian cinema.
To Be Continued…
Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading!
If you enjoyed the chapter and would like to support me, even a small donation of ₹1 means a lot.
MY UPI: akn4841@oksbi I’m currently balancing writing with a stressful job, and every bit of support helps motivate me to keep bringing you more chapters.
Thank you!