“French filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud is my inspiration”: Goodachari director Sashi Kiran Tikka lists his favourite films

Sashi Kiran Tikka proved his mettle as a director with the 2018 spy thriller ‘Goodachari’. Helmed on a shoe-string budget, the film packed a punch at the box-office owing to its riveting narration, technical brilliance and the power-packed performances of the star cast. At present, Sashi Kiran is busy with Major starring Adivi Sesh as the protagonist. The bilingual film is inspired by Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the NSG commando who lost his life in the tragic 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.Due to coronavirus outbreak, the shooting of the film is temporarily on hold.
Before making his directorial debut, Sashi worked as an assistant director for Sekhar Kammula’s Leader. From an early age itself, he was fascinated by the films of French director Jean-Jacques Annaud. In an exclusive conversation with E Times, he said “Jean-Jacques Annaud is my inspiration to become a director. His films like ‘Bear’ and ‘Enemy at the Gates’ are my all-time favourite.”
Along with the two classics, Sashi Kiran Tikka listed Hachi: A Dog's Tale, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and The Terminal as his top five favourite films.
During this time of self-quarantine, the talented director is editing the portions of Major which have already been shot. Bankrolled by Mahesh Babu’s home banner (GMB) in association with Sony Pictures Productions, the film features Sobhita Dhulipala in a pivotal cameo.