Leaders

Every creative story can be enhanced by attaching visuals with it, which creates a great feel and attracts audiences successfully. It is the world of `Lights, Camera, Action' which makes that magic happen and brings in visual delight for content lovers. Creating this magic is Ellanar films, a Hyderabad based production house that was founded by a passionate storyteller, Radhika Lavu, with the sole aim to add a spectacular visual element to stories and tell memorable tales.

Driven by her passion for art and creativity, Radhika never hesitated to face the unknown while pursuing her dreams. She believes film making is one of the most important purposes of her life. She intends to bring such stories to light that can showcase life altering content to the world. Radhika is also known for backing various Telugu and Hindi projects. In an exclusive interview with the Women Entrepreneur Team, Radhika Lavu, producer of `Gods of Dharmapuri' & `Unheard' narrates her journey of creating and leading Ellanar Films.

Introduce Us To Ellanar Films. Take Us Through The Production House's Growth Journey.

Ellanar films is a film production house that comprises of a group of story tellers who are passionate about filmmaking. We have been providing quality entertainment for the past six years and have serviced more than 15 clients. At the production house, we believe in having a content driven approach, as telling meaningful stories is the highest priority for us. We believe in quality content and not quantity.

Ellanar films was created with the sole aim to transform the filmmaking landscape, having been founded in Hyderabad in 2015. At the production house, we explore and experiment with various formats of filmmaking such as Television commercials, feature films, short films, web series, corporate films, and documentaries. We have created nationally aired advertisements for brands, such as Big Bazaar, Talwalkars, Freedom Oil, Golden Harvest among others. `Gods of Dharmapuri' streaming on Zee5, produced by Ellanar films is the most viewed Telugu web-series till date.

Our next venture is called `Unheard', which is a philosophical period drama, a conversational series which will soon be available on a leading OTT platform. The project has received appreciation from the Vice President of India.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience. What Factors Led You Towards The World Of Advertising And Film Making?

I have done my B.A in Mass Communication from St Francis College, Hyderabad and have pursued MA in Film Making from Goldsmiths College (University of London), revered internationally for its offerings in the domain. Post this, I worked with the government of Andhra Pradesh, producing documentaries for the rural folk. I started my company Ellanar films after few years of freelance filmmaking.

I always wanted to bring meaningful stories to light and showcase thought provoking and entertaining content to the world. For me, it is the most expressive and creative media with the potential to express thoughts and transform minds if done in the right manner.

Formative years in Delhi, I exposed myself to all kinds of films irrespective of language and genre. I started learning and educating myself with the skillsets in order to make a difference and tell heartfelt visual stories through any medium, be it theatre, or OTT platforms or any other.

“Ellanar films was created with the sole aim to transform the film making landscape, having been founded in Hyderabad in 2015”

My approach towards the film business is striking a balance between art and economy, `Film is Art and Business is Economy. Making films is important, and the genre is not something that I restrict myself to.

In Your Opinion What Are Some Facets Of Your Personality And Leadership Style That Have Helped You Become A Successful Entrepreneur In The Creative Field?

To begin with, I don't see myself as only a leader, but one of the team members. You are as good as your team. I encourage my team to exercise their creative freedom and independence, to put forth their ideas freely. We are a group of storytellers learning and inspiring each other.

Given The Demanding Nature Of Your Role As An Entrepreneur, How Do You Strike A Balance Between Work And Personal Life?

Making films has been a dream and a passion that I pursued. Like any other working woman, I strive to balance between work and life every day. Time Management is the key and learnt it on the go.

I spend my free time reading, travelling and watching films/content. It is not entirely to keep a track of the latest projects in the field, but that's the way I like to unwind. I like photography and spending quality time with my family. Following a policy of `No work on Sundays' is imperative to rest and give one full day to self & family.

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Evolutions Taking Place In Your Field And The Tech World In General? What Would Your Words Of Advice Be For Women Aspiring To Foray Into The Field Of Advertising As Entrepreneurs?

I constantly keep educating myself, have regular chats with the team, understand the latest innovations, equipment & processes and try to get a more organized approach to the work we do. "Keep reading, Keep learning, keep discussing, keep networking" is the way I get to learn a lot.

One thing that I have told myself throughout my journey is not to hesitate and face the unknown with confidence. When I took up film making, I did not have predecessors who could teach and guide me. People around will have various opinions but if the resolve is strong about the path chosen, put all your heart to it and move ahead!

Radhika Lavu, Founder, Ellanar Films

Radhika Lavu is a film producer with over 10 years of experience in the field. She is the Founder & Managing Director of the production house Ellanar Films, which has a vibrant team of creative and committed professionals.