Veteran filmmaker, actor, director, journalist, and author Sandeep Malani has built a remarkable career spanning Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, and Hindi cinema. Known for his award-winning films, innovative filmmaking techniques, and unwavering passion for regional cinema, Malani continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. In the second part of Tuluadda.com’s exclusive interview, Sandeep Malani reflects on his biggest career milestones, contributions to Tulu cinema and Konkani cinema, his admiration for legendary actress Sridevi, and his landmark 100th film, Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari.
Award-Winning Films and Career Milestones
Q: Your journey in cinema spans multiple roles and languages. What are some of the major milestones and recognitions in your career?
Sandeep Malani: My films Jo Jo Laali and Sulige Sikkidaaga earned me several awards, including Best Director and Best Film honors, and also received international recognition at various film festivals. These projects remain among the most memorable achievements of my filmmaking career.
Q: As an actor, which performances have brought you the most recognition?
Sandeep Malani: I have been fortunate to receive Best Actor awards for my performances in Kannada films such as Mookavismitha, Appa, Arpane, Nishyabda Nishi, and Samhaaram. These awards hold a special place in my heart because they acknowledge my work in front of the camera.
Theatre and Regional Arts
Q: Besides films, have you been active in theatre as well?
Sandeep Malani: Yes, theatre has been an important part of my artistic journey. Among the Tulu dramas I have acted in are Gumpudori Govindhe and the mythological play Kaljigada Ravane.
Sandeep Malani’s Contribution to Konkani Cinema
Q: You have also worked extensively in Konkani cinema. Which are some of the notable films in your Konkani filmography?
Sandeep Malani: I have had the opportunity to act in several Konkani films, including Bogsanhe, Padri, Kazaar, Aalshi Redde, Mangalore to Goa, The Vacant House, Osmitay, Antyarambha, and Vaganso Khel. I have also appeared in the Konkani television production Mog Tuzo Kithlo Ashelon. These projects have helped me stay deeply connected to the Konkani-speaking audience and culture.
Tulu Cinema and Upcoming Projects
Q: Could you tell us about your contribution to Tulu cinema?
Sandeep Malani: Tulu cinema has always been very close to me. As an actor, I have been part of films such as Bangar Patler, September 8, Dhand, Jai, Middle Class Family, Vaganso Khel, and Gajanana Cricketers. My upcoming Tulu projects include Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari, Bana, and Life Is Jingalaala.
Innovation in Filmmaking
Q: You are also known for experimenting with filmmaking technology. Can you elaborate on that?
Sandeep Malani: I directed a Hindi feature film titled Maa – Yeh CineMaa Hai, which was shot entirely on an iPhone. It was a full-length, two-hour family entertainer with several songs. The film went on to win the Best Film Shot on iPhone award at the iPhone Film Awards, making it a very special project for me.
Celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema
Q: Apart from films, have you been involved in major cinema-related events?
Sandeep Malani: Yes. One of the highlights was directing a grand event celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema in Sydney, Australia, which featured several leading stars from the Indian film industry. I also had the privilege of directing the first-ever Tulu Cinemotsava Awards in Mangalore.
A Lifelong Devotion to Sridevi
Q: Your directorial ventures often carry a distinct touch of Bollywood glamour, specifically revolving around Sridevi. Where does this devotion stem from?
Sandeep Malani: I am a die-hard, lifelong Sridevi fan. My devotion started all the way back in 1979 when I was just 8 years old. My father was a film distributor at the Ramakanthi Talkies in Mangalore, and he had released the Tamil film Kalyanaraman, starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi.
That was the very first time I saw Sridevi on the big screen. Something just clicked inside me, and I became an ardent follower. Throughout my school days, college life, and professional career, everyone who knows me knows my admiration for Sridevi. Every film I have ever directed has been made keeping her in mind or containing a tribute to her.
Q: Did you ever get to meet her personally?
Sandeep Malani: Yes, many times during the later part of my life. I had the immense honor of visiting her, sharing tea and lunch with her, and attending the premieres of her comeback films English Vinglish and Mom.
The pinnacle of my life was when she watched one of my films in her own house and appreciated it. When she passed away, it was an absolute tragedy for me. Eventually, I decided to spend the rest of my life celebrating her legacy through my work and dedicated social media pages.
Sridevi-Inspired Films and Cannes Recognition
Q: You have also worked on projects related to legendary actress Sridevi. Could you tell us more about them?
Sandeep Malani: Certainly. I made a musical documentary on Sridevi, which was showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. I also directed the Hindi film Janleva 555, which was dedicated to Sridevi and inspired by her iconic films Nagina and Nigahen.
Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari: A Historic Bilingual Film
Q: Can you tell us about the current film you have directed and how it serves as a tribute to Sridevi?
Sandeep Malani: My upcoming directorial venture is a highly unique bilingual film. In Tulu, it is titled Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari, and in Konkani, it is called Moga Thuzo Kithlo Ashelom.
For the first time in regional cinema, we are using two distinct titles for a single film. It is a family-emotional drama centered around a Catholic family where the characters seamlessly speak both Konkani and Tulu.
The film stars Esther Noronha, Nihal Tauro, Ashwin D’Costa, Godwin Sparkle, and Soujanya Hegde. This project marks the 100th film of my career and is a complete dedication to Sridevi. Audiences will instantly recognize her influence throughout the film.
OTT Platforms and the Future of Tulu Cinema
Q: Speaking of OTT, how do you view the current digital revolution affecting cinema today?
Sandeep Malani: The OTT space has fundamentally changed viewing habits. Today, audiences can enjoy a theatrical-grade experience from the comfort of their homes. Modern films often reach OTT platforms within weeks of their theatrical release.
Q: Is the OTT market treating regional languages like Tulu and Konkani fairly?
Sandeep Malani: It is evolving, but there is still a long way to go. Zee5’s acquisition of the digital rights for Jai was a significant milestone for Tulu cinema. However, mainstream platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Netflix should create dedicated categories for Tulu films, similar to Marathi and Gujarati cinema.
The Tulu film industry is producing exceptional content with strong production values and storytelling. The audience is ready; the global platforms simply need to open their doors wider to regional cinema.
Future Projects
Q: What are your future projects?
Sandeep Malani: I will be working on a horror-comedy, which I believe will be a unique and pioneering attempt in Tulu cinema. However, my immediate focus remains on releasing Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari. I hope to continue contributing to Indian cinema and entertaining audiences across languages.
Sandeep Malani Exclusive Interview
Tuluadda.com extends its heartfelt wishes to Sandeep Malani for the success of Mokedda Singaari Untudde Vaiyyari and his future projects. We applaud his immense contribution to Tulu cinema, Konkani cinema, and Indian regional filmmaking, and eagerly await the magic he brings to the screen next
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