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Director Sailesh Kolanu, a name synonymous with edge-of-your-seat crime stories, is surprising audiences with his foray into the romantic genre with 'Emo Emo Idi,' set for a Dussehra debut. This project stars rising stars Roshan Meka and Preity Mukhundhan against the breathtaking backdrop of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul Valley, infusing the narrative with profound emotional undertones.
After films such as the HIT series and Saindhav, director Sailesh Kolanu is working on Emo Emo Idi, a romantic drama set for a Dussehra release this year. The film marks a shift from his earlier crime-focused narratives.
“I’ve always wanted to explore something more romantic and slightly comical,” Kolanu says, speaking to us.
“Most of my films so far, including the HIT series and Saindhav, have been intense and dark. I want to push myself into a different space as a filmmaker.”
The film, starring Roshan Meka and Preity Mukhundhan, is largely set in Hyderabad, with a portion of the story unfolding in Himachal Pradesh. “The script itself demanded a scenic backdrop.
There’s an eight–nine minute stretch set in the valley, which is important narratively. We have shot a song sequence there. A key turning point happens there, and that’s where the story takes off,” he explains. “Nature has a way of heightening emotions. Snowy mountains, wind and rain can make you more receptive to what the story is trying to convey,” he adds.
The director, known for the HIT film series, opens up about turning to romantic drama for his next, starring Roshan Meka and Preity Mukhundhan
This isn’t the first time the director has shot in the region.
Kolanu has previously filmed in Himachal Pradesh for HIT: The First Case (Hindi), and later in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, for HIT: The Third Case. “I’m often drawn to locations that aren’t overused. Places like Shimla, Manali, and Spiti offer excellent infrastructure and support. For this film, we shot for about nine days in Lahaul Valley, capturing snow, valleys, and a song sequence.
It was truly a beautiful experience.”
Nature has a way of heightening emotions — snowy mountains, wind and rain can make you more receptive to what the story is trying to convey
Sailesh Kolanu
Recalling the Pahalgam schedule for HIT: The Third Case, he says, “We worked with protocol permissions, with CRPF personnel assigned for security. We later learnt there was terrorist activity in the region while we were shooting, and the attack happened about 15 days after we left. When something like this happens, it sets the region back. But with strong security measures now in place, I hope shoots and tourism return — it’s one of the most beautiful parts of our country.
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English (US) ·