For Chicago-based Indian-American Director Naveen Chathapuram, first love happened with movies at an early age and then he developed a passion for movies which eventually led him to pursue a career in film. South India born Naveen runs his own film and television production company inChicago and has been a part of many prestigious projects including Brown Nation, a sitcom released worldwide on Netflix, the animated film Night of the Living Dead; and Haunted. All set for his directorial debut in Hollywood this year with ‘The Last Victim’, a neo-western thriller, Naveen feels that his journey in the entertainment world has been full of moments of inspiration, of overcoming unthinkable challenges, and learning from the process. He shares a slice of his journey with TMM:
When and how did you realize your passion for filmmaking, and how has been the journey over the last two decades?
Although I don’t remember when my passion for films began, I remember being affected by the movies at a very young age. One of my earliest memories (from the 80s) is watching a re-run of The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) with my parents in a theater. During my early teens, I developed a passion for movies which eventually led me to pursue a career in film.
It has been an incredible journey. Like anything else, there have been moments of inspiration, of overcoming unthinkable challenges, and of learning from the process. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with unbelievably talented and gifted people from across the world.
When it comes to storytelling via films, what are the key areas and thoughts that you keep in mind?
Unlike many art forms, Film is a highly collaborative art. As is evident, the process of translating the words from the script to screen goes through the lens’ of multiple individuals. Whether it is the actor, the director of photography, the art director, the costume designer, the editor, or the sound mixer, each bring their unique interpretation to the work. The storytelling happens simultaneously in the macro and the micro. While you keep your eye on the bigger picture, you also have to pay close attention to the details. Everything from locations, hair, costumes, music down to the smallest prop or sound effect can profoundly affect the storytelling. The key is to bring in team members who are on the same page with you on the vision and also contribute something unique. This creates an environment of trust, collaboration, and creativity.
Tell us about your first feature film The Last Victim which is set to release this year. How is it different from your other works?
The Last Victim is a thriller made in a neo-western, neo-noir style and laced with wry humor. The film follows a group of modern-day outlaws dealing with the fallout of a crime gone wrong in the harsh landscape of the American Southwest and the unstoppable chain reaction it sets off.
What is different with this project is that I am the director versus the others where I was the producer. As a producer, although you’re in charge of overseeing the project, you’re supporting the director’s vision. So to step into the creator’s shoe and being in charge of the vision was exciting.
You have worked on different genres. Which one happens to be your favorite and why?
I’m genre-agnostic. I like films that elevate a particular genre. For me, whether it’s a thriller, action, comedy, drama, or sci-fi, it boils down to the script — Is there a captivating story? Are there compelling characters? Is there an interesting setup or setting? If the answer is yes to all of the above, then I’m interested.
Is there any Bollywood filmmaker you would love to collaborate with? If yes, what kind of subject would you like to work on?
India is a reservoir of talent, whether it is actors, filmmakers, or technicians. There is a lot of exciting work coming out of Bollywood and the south. As for filmmakers, there are too many to name. My 
favorites include the obvious — Rajkumar Hirani, Mani Ratnam, Anubhav Sinha, SS Rajamouli, Anurag Kashyap, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Karthik Subbaraj, Rajeev Ravi, to name a few. As for the subject, it would ultimately come down to the script.
After Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Irrfan Khan, and Anil Kapoor, it is exciting to see a new generation of actors like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Randeep Hooda, Manoj Bajpayee, and Dhanush making a mark in the west. Should the opportunity arise, I would love to collaborate with Indian stars or technicians in a Hollywood project.
You have worked with a different set of directors and talents. One project that still remains close to your heart and why?
As a filmmaker, every project is close to your heart. Currently, it’s The Last Victim. But if I have to choose one from the past, it would be Ca$h (2010). The film was written and directed by the late Stephen Milburn Anderson. This was the film that I cut my teeth on as a filmmaker. I got to witness the director’s process up close from script to distribution. It took about four years. I believe Ca$h played a significant part in preparing me to step into the director’s role.
What are your future plans for your passion for filmmaking?
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m attracted to compelling content. Ideally, I’d like to sink my teeth into thought-provoking, path-breaking content, whether it’s an intimate character piece or something that’s told on a global scale. Having said that, I’d also like to try my hands on movies that are light and fun.
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