In this episode, seasoned film producer Dhananjayan opens up on the challenges facing filmmakers today, including rising production costs, declining theatrical revenue, and the ever-shifting preferences of audiences. But hold on tight, Dhananjayan also gets real about the anxieties these changes bring! He also provides actionable advice for young filmmakers on how to pitch their movie ideas and navigate this evolving industry.

Filmmaker Pawan Kumar joins us to discuss his latest project, the neo-noir thriller Dhoomam, starring Fahadh Faasil. Pawan took a bold step by making Dhoomam free to stream on YouTube. We delve into his motivations, the challenges facing the Kannada film industry, and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Tune in!

In this episode of Filmi Fesita, we catch up with independent filmmaker Prithvi Konanur. The New York Film Academy alumnus, known for films like Railway Children and Seventeeners, opens up about the pains and pleasures of working on the fringes of the mainstream Indian film industry. Tune in to discover his secrets for casting captivating non-professional actors and the challenges he faces getting his films seen.

In this episode, Kannada filmmaker Srinidhi Bengaluru reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges he faced on a limited budget, the struggles of finding distribution, and the creative decisions that shaped Blink. This is a story of passion, perseverance, and turning filmmaking dreams into reality.

In this episode, we have the multi-hyphenate talent, Danish Sait. He gets candid about his journey in show business so far, sharing the challenges, fatigue, and nagging self-doubts that even a successful artist like him faces daily to keep pursuing his passion. He also offers a valuable piece of advice for all aspiring content creators.

This episode dives deeper than the typical "how-to" of filmmaking. We explore the essential qualities that define a successful filmmaker, along with acclaimed director Hemanth Rao. Is it just talent and vision? Is it the ability to manage a team or the emotional intelligence to navigate a creative journey? Join us as we unpack the multifaceted nature of filmmaking.

In the special Mother's Day episode of Filmi Fiesta, filmmaker Hemanth Rao, the director of Kavaludaari and the Sapta Sagaradaache Ello movies, shares stories about his parents and his views on films that stereotype women. Tune in!

In the second episode of Filmi Fiesta, we chat with director Chidambaram S. Poduval, about the challenges, triumphs, and inspiration behind the record-breaking blockbuster, Manjummel Boys. Find out how a cult Tamil song, Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan, became the foundation for a Malayalam film that conquered the box office, grossing over Rs 220 crore worldwide.

In the first episode of Filmi Fiesta, your host Manoj Kumar R chats with Karthik Subbaraj, a defining figure of Tamil new-wave cinema. The director, behind blockbusters like Pizza, Jigarthanda, Petta, and Mahaan, discusses the rapidly evolving Indian cinema landscape, challenges for new filmmakers, and the risks of using graphic violence in movies without proper context, intent, and emotional grounding.

In today's world, box office numbers often overshadow the true value of a film. We say no to that! Whether it's a blockbuster or an independent gem, we'll celebrate movies that make us fall in love with cinema all over again. Tune in to Filmi Fiesta at www.htsmartcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.