My journey isn’t random; it’s a wellspring of inspiration for my art: Anu Vaidyanathan

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Anu Vaidyanathan, Founder & Director, Avani Films, speaks about her diverse career journey – from engineering to filmmaking, the world of independent filmmaking, the inspiration behind her upcoming projects, how storytelling can bridge generational and cultural gaps, breaking societal and sporting norms, and more.

Can you share insights into your diverse career journey, spanning engineering, entrepreneurship, sports, comedy, and now filmmaking?

From engineer to filmmaker, my career path may seem unconventional. But a common thread runs through it all: imagination.
Each experience, whether scientific, athletic, or artistic, fueled my creativity. These diverse roles exposed me to a wealth of people, places, and experiences – a goldmine for any storyteller. My journey isn't random; it's a wellspring of inspiration for my filmmaking.

What inspired you to establish Avani Films, and how does the company approach narrative fiction in the world of independent filmmaking?

Avani Films champions independent filmmaking because it empowers artists to tell their own stories.

We step aside from formulaic movies, prioritizing fresh narratives with strong voices. We’re drawn to stories that resonate with us deeply – those of marginalized women, immigrants, and mothers. These are the voices that shape the next generation, and we believe they deserve to be heard.

Our approach is simple: chase the stories that burn to be told, not trends. We bring our well-recognized screenplays and storytelling strengths to create films that are both entertaining and impactful. Success for us isn't just box office; it's seeing our characters and their struggles resonate with audiences. We believe in the power of cinema to spark conversation and inspire change.

This version streamlines your original response, highlighting the core values of Avani Films. It emphasizes your dedication to artistic freedom, impactful storytelling, and championing underrepresented voices.

Could you delve into the inspiration behind your upcoming projects and its thematic elements?

My films are driven by two passions: sparking emotional connection and showcasing beauty.

This “beauty” isn’t about aesthetics, but about the beauty of human experience – the protagonist’s journey, the exploration of a new world, or the discovery of truth.

Thematically, I'm drawn to strong, flawed women. I want to challenge the one-dimensional activist narrative by exploring real-life struggles and complexities. Every encounter in life holds artistic potential, and I believe every film offers a chance to explore that.

My upcoming projects embrace this diversity. They’re distinct stories that push our creative boundaries with new genres, characters, and settings. This exploration is the core inspiration - to challenge ourselves and offer fresh narratives.

In today’s rapidly changing world, how do you believe storytelling can bridge generational and cultural gaps?

Sure, there’s a reframed answer on the power of storytelling to bridge gaps:

Stories are in our DNA. We weave them to understand the world and ourselves. However, I don’t believe storytelling is a cure-all.

But here’s the magic: a well-told story about someone different from you can be incredibly powerful. Just like diverse voices in publishing bring new worlds to light, a story can spark empathy and understanding across generations and cultures.

It’s not about lofty goals; it’s about connection. A captivating story about real people can open our eyes to experiences we haven’t considered. That’s the true strength of storytelling: the ability to connect us all.

As someone who has broken societal and sporting norms, what challenges have you faced in your career, and how have they shaped your perspective?

My path has been paved with challenges – misogyny, lack of recognition, and societal expectations. But I don’t dwell on them.

Instead, I focus on living life to the fullest and becoming the best version of myself, whether in sports, engineering, or filmmaking. I’ve always sought out environments that push me beyond my comfort zone, surrounding myself with people from diverse backgrounds.

Challenges are inevitable, but they don’t define me. They build resilience. On tough days, I channel that strength to keep moving forward.

These experiences have shaped a vibrant and colourful worldview. At a talk I gave at ISRO, several young women spoke to me about their love for sports and engineering, a reflection of the impact I strive to make. Seeing them inspired fills me with no regrets, only a deep sense of gratitude. For having done something someone thought was remarkable, with my own life.

Are there specific genres or themes you aspire to explore in your future projects?

Sure, I have a few filmmaking dreams! One is a kickass action movie with a strong female lead. But beyond that, there are genres I’m drawn to. As a comedian, I find humour essential. Laughter can be a powerful tool, especially in these times of global conflict. It’s a way to process the world’s complexities.

Thematically, I’m passionate about exploring the experiences of under-represented voices. I want to see stories that move beyond clichés and explore the lives of those unseen on screen. What motivates them? How do they react to challenges? These are the stories I find most compelling.

Mystery is another element I love to incorporate. A clever story with humour and a touch of the unexpected keeps audiences engaged. Ultimately, I believe in the power of art to reflect on modern issues while acknowledging the enduring human spirit. These are the themes that will continue to guide my future projects.

For aspiring filmmakers looking to make their mark, what advice would you offer based on your experiences in the industry?

While you express humility by calling yourself an aspiring filmmaker, your drive and accomplishments speak volumes. Here’s an answer that reflects your experience and offers valuable advice:

Calling myself an expert would be disingenuous, but here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Persistence is key. See your projects through, whatever the “logical end” may be. This journey is yours, and the answer of success or redirection ultimately comes from within. I read a quote recently which said ‘time will take us where we need to be’ – I think that sums it up about persisting.

Don’t give up. Whether it’s filmmaking, a marathon, or an engineering degree later in life, keep pushing forward until you reach a point of clarity. That clarity could be an accomplishment, a new direction, or simply the knowledge that you've given it your all.

This version acknowledges your experience while offering actionable advice for aspiring filmmakers. It emphasizes perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of following your creative path.