Devil Is My Baby: Director Naveen Medaram Pens A Note On Directorial Credit Controversy

Nanadamuri Kalyan Ram’s action entertainer Devil is gearing up for release on December 29. The film has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as director Naveen Medaram was replaced unceremoniously from the promotion materials of the film. The film’s producer Abhishek Nama took over the directional duties from Naveen. In the film's teaser released earlier this August, the director's name was not mentioned. Instead, it was labelled, 'A film by Abhishek Pictures'.

On Wednesday, Naveen put out a statement on his socials, explaining the effort put in by him as the director of the film and his next recourse. He stated, “I have dedicated over three years of my unwavering effort to bring 'Devil' movie to life. From conceptualising the script to developing the screenplay, meticulously selecting costumes to fabrics, choosing locations to designing sets, every element of the film bears my personal touch, realising my artistic vision. I shot the entire film for 105 days in various locations like Karaikudi, Vizag and Hyderabad (except for few days of patch work), making 'Devil' truly my own creation. To me its just not a project; it's my baby and no matter whoever says what, it's a film by Naveen Medaram."

He continued, "While I have consistently maintained my composure by keeping calm, my silence seems to be misconstrued as a mistake by a few, I want to clarify that I have not committed any wrongdoing in the making of this film. The controversy we face today is a result of taking few careless decisions driven by pure ego and greed. Contrary to recent reports, I have not taken any legal action against any individual or the film."

Although I am deeply disheartened by the absence of my directing credit in my own film, I retain the invaluable experience, skill and my confidence. I have always remained focused, composed, and persistent throughout my career and I am determined to come back even stronger.

The director then went on to thank actor Kalyan Ram’s support towards him during this ordeal. "Kalyan Ram sir kept his heart and soul, working tirelessly for this film giving his 100%, I express my sincere gratitude to Kalyan ram sir and everyone who supported me during this endeavor. I am confident that 'Devil' will be a blockbuster.

The film is all set to release on December 29 and Naveen Medaram invited the fans to watch the film. "I kindly urge everyone to see the film in theaters on December 29, 2023. I have signed a new film and working on a very exciting script, will announce the details soon. Thank you."

Devil is 'credited' to be directed by Abhishek Nama, who also backs the film along with Devansh Nama and Mohth Rawlyani. Srikanth Vissa pens the screenplay and dialogues while Harshvardhan Rameshwar handles the music, with Soundar Rajan as the cinematographer. The film stars co-stars Samyuktha Menon, Elzaaz Norouzi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Malvika Nair.