From projection room to director’s chair: Mani’s inspiring journey

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Filmmaker Mani Thellagutie’s journey from a farming family in Chintapudi village, Tirupati district, to the director’s chair is a story of passion, perseverance and self-belief. Growing up around cinema through his father’s work as a projectionist, Mani developed an early fascination with filmmaking. He entered the industry through VFX, later honing his skills as an editor before moving into writing and direction. His film Trikaala, produced by Radhika Srinivas and featuring cinematography by Pawan Chenn, combines visual effects, science, spirituality and time-travel elements to create a distinctive cinematic experience.

Following its theatrical and OTT release, Trikaala has helped establish Mani as an ambitious filmmaker with a larger vision.  He is now expanding the story into the Trikaala Cinematic Universe (TCU), with interconnected films and sequels planned. As Mani celebrates his birthday on Thursday, fans and industry well-wishers have wished him success, expressing hope that his technology-driven vision will take Telugu cinema to new creative heights.