From Andhra to Hollywood: AP Man to Make His Directorial Debut

The Last Vigil: As its first purpose, Bhadrachalam, which represents a beautiful and long spiritual history, is now rapidly coming under a different aura: that of cinema. A 37-year-old filmmaker from the town, Vivekananda Kondapalli, is making way for his debut directorial venture into Hollywood with The Last Vigil, scheduled for a worldwide release in December.

The trailer, released on YouTube on October 27, has already crossed 22.99 lakh views, creating buzz among movie buffs. This project will be a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh, as one of its own marks into international cinema.

Depth and Emotion of a Thriller

The Last Vigil follows Jordan Reynolds (played by Hunter Kohl), an ex-convict, who, after getting out of prison, becomes a pizza delivery man. What begins as an innocent night is transformed into a dark journey through guilt, redemption, and the heavy burden of one’s past-all set against a stormy tension-filled night.

This 95-minute psychological thriller also stars Brett Cullen (The Dark Knight Rises, Person of Interest) and Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black) to seal its Hollywood credentials.

A Dream Rooted in Bhadrachalam

Talking to The Times of India, Vivekananda said that for $1.3 million (₹11.48 crore) budgeted for making the film, it will be released in 300 theaters across the world this Christmas. Besides, he mentioned that talks are in progress about his next project in Hollywood, after which he is looking forward to directing a Telugu film.

Born the eldest son of Mahesh and Jamunarani Kondapalli from Shilpinagar Colony, Vivekananda found this creative spark under his father’s guidance. After studying film in New York, he directed two short films and wrote dialogues for the Telugu short film Thula.

With The Last Vigil, this Andhra talent has officially made his way from Bhadrachalam to Hollywood, achieving what has been a lifetime dream.