Chandoo Mondeti is a prominent Indian film director and screenwriter known for his significant contributions to Telugu cinema. Born in Vemuluru, near Kovvur in Andhra Pradesh, India, he has carved a niche for himself in the film industry through his distinctive storytelling and directorial prowess.
Early Life and Background
Chandoo Mondeti hails from Vemuluru, a village near Kovvur in Andhra Pradesh. Details about his early education and formative years are limited, but his passion for storytelling and cinema became evident as he ventured into the film industry.
Directorial Debut: Karthikeya (2014)
Mondeti made his directorial debut with “Karthikeya” in 2014, a mystery thriller that garnered significant attention. The film features Nikhil Siddhartha and Swathi Reddy in lead roles and revolves around a curious medico named Karthik, who investigates the enigmatic closure of a Karthikeya temple in the village of Subrahmanyapuram. An incident at the Talupulamma Temple in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh inspired Mondeti to craft this narrative. Released during Diwali on October 24, 2014, “Karthikeya” received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, collecting over ₹20 crore against a budget of ₹4–6 crore.
Subsequent Projects
Following the success of his debut, Mondeti directed “Premam” in 2016, a Telugu remake of the 2015 Malayalam film of the same name. The film was commercially successful. In 2018, he directed “Savyasachi,” starring Naga Chaitanya and Madhavan (in his Telugu debut). Unfortunately, “Savyasachi” did not perform well at the box office.
Exploring Digital Platforms: Bloody Mary (2022)
In 2022, Mondeti ventured into digital streaming with “Bloody Mary,” a crime drama featuring Nivetha Pethuraj, Brahmaji, Ajay, and Kireeti Damaraju. Set in Visakhapatnam, the plot follows three orphaned childhood friends—Mary, Raju, and Basha—who become entangled in a murder case. The film was released on the streaming platform Aha on April 15, 2022.
Return to the Mystical: Karthikeya 2 (2022)
Building on the success of his debut, Mondeti announced “Karthikeya 2,” a sequel to “Karthikeya,” officially launched in March 2020 in Tirupati with a puja ceremony. Filming took place across various locations in India, including Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, as well as international locations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece. The film stars Nikhil Siddhartha, Anupama Parameswaran, and Anupam Kher in prominent roles. Released in August 2022, “Karthikeya 2” received positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film in Mondeti’s career.
Upcoming Projects
Mondeti’s next project, “Thandel,” stars Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in lead roles. As of now, the lead actors are filming a Shivaratri song on a specially constructed set.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Chandoo Mondeti has received several accolades. For his work on “Karthikeya,” he was nominated for Best Director – Telugu at the 62nd Filmfare Awards South and the 1st IIFA Utsavam. He also received the Best Feature Film in Telugu award for “Karthikeya 2” at the 70th National Film Awards.
Personal Life
Chandoo Mondeti is married to Sujatha, and the couple has two children. They reside in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Filmography
- Karthikeya (2014)
- Premam (2016)
- Savyasachi (2018)
- Bloody Mary (2022)
- Karthikeya 2 (2022)
- Thandel (Upcoming)
Conclusion
Chandoo Mondeti’s journey in Telugu cinema is marked by his dedication to storytelling and his ability to explore diverse genres. From mystery thrillers to romantic dramas and crime narratives, he has showcased versatility in his directorial ventures. As he continues to work on new projects, audiences eagerly anticipate the unique narratives he will bring to the screen.
