The Deserving: Venkat Sai Gunda's Silent Horror | Exclusive Interview

Venkat Sai Gunda’s “The Deserving” is redefining the landscape of indie horror films with its innovative approach to psychological terror. This award-winning feature, set for worldwide digital release on October 1st, blends American and Indian cultural elements to create a unique cinematic experience.

Gunda, serving as lead actor, producer, and casting director, pushes boundaries by portraying a mute serial killer haunted by his victims’ ghosts. In this exclusive interview, Gunda reveals the creative process behind the film’s silent tension, cultural fusion, and symbolic use of supernatural elements.

From its meticulous casting to its exploration of generational trauma, “The Deserving” promises to deliver a haunting narrative that transcends traditional horror conventions.

Discover how this rising filmmaker is carving a new path in the genre, earning accolades at international film festivals and setting the stage for a new era of psychological horror.

In early September we posted about the films up and coming release date of October 1st, 2024. [https://horrorfacts.com/prepare-to-be-haunted-by-the-deserving/]

What I found out in the Interview with Venkat Sai Gunda

In the cutthroat world of indie horror, Venkat Sai Gunda’s “The Deserving” emerges as a tour de force, slashing through conventions with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. This psychological horror doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them, leaving audiences trapped in a nightmarish realm where silence screams louder than any victim.

The Mute Killer’s Macabre Symphony

At the heart of this twisted tale is a mute serial killer, portrayed by Gunda himself, whose silence is more terrifying than any monologue. The challenge of conveying complex emotions without dialogue was both daunting and exhilarating for Gunda. “By making the lead character mute, we took away the ability to rely on dialogue and focused on tension through visuals and sound, pushing the boundaries of what horror can achieve,” he reveals.

This bold choice has already carved a bloody path through the festival circuit, with “The Deserving” slaughtering the competition and claiming over 15 awards, including Best Feature at Athens International Film Festival and Best Horror at Hallucinea Film Festival.

It’s Psychological Torture

Working alongside director S. S. Arora, Gunda orchestrated a symphony of dread that plays on the audience’s deepest fears. “We spent a lot of time building tension slowly, allowing the audience to feel the character’s internal struggles before the horror truly manifests,” he explains. The film employs an arsenal of cinematic techniques—lingering shots that make your skin crawl, a muted color palette that drains hope from every frame, and a silence so oppressive it becomes a character in itself.

Gunda elaborates on their approach: “We also used visual storytelling—such as long takes, close-ups, and a muted color palette—to create a sense of unease. Silence played a significant role in the film, as the absence of sound can often be more unsettling than loud noises.”

East Meets West a Dance of Death?!

“The Deserving” is a grotesque fusion of American and Indian horror traditions, creating a unique flavor of psychological terror. Gunda’s experience producing a film that bridges both cultures was both challenging and rewarding. “While the film is set in a predominantly American environment, there are subtle nods to Indian traditions and values, particularly in the way the film addresses themes of karma, guilt, and redemption,” he shares.

This cultural amalgamation doesn’t just add depth; it twists the knife, making the horror more visceral and universally disturbing. Gunda reflects, “Blending these cultural elements was a balancing act, but it enriched the film’s narrative, making it a more universal story.”

Ghosts are not traditional “GHOSTS”

In “The Deserving,” ghosts aren’t just spooky apparitions—they’re the manifestation of generational trauma and unforgivable sins. Gunda provides insight into this symbolic choice: “The ghosts in ‘The Deserving’ represent more than just supernatural entities—they are physical manifestations of guilt, remorse, and the trauma passed down through generations.”

He continues, delving deeper into the symbolism: “My character is haunted not just by the literal ghosts of his victims but by the unresolved emotional scars from his past, particularly from witnessing domestic violence as a child. The ghosts serve as a reminder that trauma, especially unaddressed, can haunt individuals throughout their lives and manifest in destructive ways.”

This approach turns a conventional ghost story into a harrowing exploration of guilt, abuse, and the horrifying legacy of violence that echoes through generations. “By incorporating these supernatural elements, we were able to symbolize the cyclical nature of abuse, where one generation’s sins can impact the next. It’s a way to visually represent the inescapable consequences of one’s actions,” Gunda explains.

Casting for the film

Assembling the right cast for such a psychologically intense film was crucial. Gunda, who also served as casting director, shares his process: “The casting process was about finding actors who not only fit the characters physically but also understood the emotional complexity of the story. Simone Stadler and Kelsey Stalter brought unique strengths to their roles—Simone had an intensity that perfectly complemented the dynamic of her character, while Kelsey’s versatility allowed her to delve deep into her role.”

The rehearsal process was equally intense. “We spent time delving into each character’s backstory and motivation, and we explored how their dynamics would evolve throughout the film. Working with such dedicated professionals made the scenes flow naturally,” Gunda recalls.

Unleashing the Beast Global Release

Come October 1st, “The Deserving” will be unleashed on digital platforms worldwide, ready to infect the nightmares of unsuspecting viewers. Gunda’s anticipation is palpable: “I hope that the worldwide release of ‘The Deserving‘ will resonate with a diverse audience. It’s a film that speaks to universal themes like guilt, trauma, and redemption, which I believe can connect with people across cultures.“

He adds, “I’m excited to see how different audiences around the world react, especially as we explore new markets through digital platforms like Amazon and Apple.”

The Future For Gunda?

With the success of “The Deserving,” Gunda isn’t content to rest on his laurels. He’s already plotting his next move, hinting at projects that will dive even deeper into the abyss of human depravity. “I’m currently working on developing a few new projects, including another Thriller film that dives even deeper into psychological terror,” he reveals.

But Gunda’s ambitions extend beyond just horror. “I’m also exploring stories that focus on cross-cultural themes, blending elements from both American and Indian storytelling traditions. I’m particularly interested in exploring more experimental forms of filmmaking, similar to what we did with ‘The Deserving.'”

Words of Wisdom from the Darkness (Gunda)

To those daring souls looking to follow in his blood-soaked footsteps, Gunda offers this advice: “My biggest piece of advice is to believe in your vision and never stop learning. The road to success is rarely a straight path, and there will be countless obstacles along the way, but it’s perseverance that makes the difference.”

He adds, with a hint of challenge in his voice, “Don’t be afraid to take risks—whether it’s in the stories you tell or the roles you take on. Keep honing your craft and seize every opportunity to grow.”

As “The Deserving” prepares to carve its mark on the global psyche, one thing is clear: Venkat Sai Gunda isn’t just making horror films—he’s redefining the very essence of fear itself. With its unique blend of cultural influences, psychological depth, and innovative storytelling, “The Deserving” stands poised to haunt the nightmares of audiences worldwide. Brace yourselves, horror fans. The true nightmare is just beginning.

UNCUT Interview (Complete Interview)

Uncover the unsettling truths and unfiltered insights from my exclusive interview with Venkat Sai Gunda. Read the full, unedited transcript now and dive into our in-depth conversation on The Deserving.

What was it like working with director S. S. Arora, and how did you collaborate on bringing this story to life?

Working with S. S. Arora was an enriching experience. His vision for "The Deserving" was clear from the beginning, and we were aligned on how we wanted to explore deeper psychological themes within the horror genre. Our collaboration was built on mutual trust—he gave me the space to experiment with my character, and I trusted him to guide the narrative. We worked closely on the visual and emotional tone of the film, often discussing how to use silence and atmosphere to heighten the suspense. His attention to detail and ability to extract raw emotions from every scene made the process both challenging and rewarding.

How did you assemble the cast, including Simone Stadler and Kelsey Stalter, and what was the rehearsal process like?

The casting process was about finding actors who not only fit the characters physically but also understood the emotional complexity of the story. Simone Stadler and Kelsey Stalter brought unique strengths to their roles—Simone had an intensity that perfectly complemented the dynamic of her character, while Kelsey’s versatility allowed her to delve deep into her role. Assembling the cast was more than just finding the right look; it was about connecting actors with the emotional weight of the narrative. The rehearsal process was a collaborative one—we spent time delving into each character’s backstory and motivation, and we explored how their dynamics would evolve throughout the film. Working with such dedicated professionals made the scenes flow naturally.

Can you walk us through your experience producing a film that blends American and Indian cultures?

Producing a film that bridges both American and Indian cultures was one of the most rewarding aspects of "The Deserving." I wanted to bring my cultural background into the film in a way that felt natural and organic. While the film is set in a predominantly American environment, there are subtle nods to Indian traditions and values, particularly in the way the film addresses themes of karma, guilt, and redemption. Blending these cultural elements was a balancing act, but it enriched the film’s narrative, making it a more universal story. The crew and I worked together to ensure these elements weren’t overdone but instead added another layer to the movie's message.









What drew you to the horror genre, and how do you think "The Deserving" contributes to the genre's evolution?

I've always been drawn to horror because it’s a genre that allows you to explore the darker sides of human nature in a way that no other genre can. "The Deserving" isn’t just about scares—it’s about diving into psychological torment, guilt, and redemption. By making the lead character mute, we took away the ability to rely on dialogue and focused on tension through visuals and sound, pushing the boundaries of what horror can achieve. I think "The Deserving" contributes to the genre by blending deep emotional themes with classic horror elements, creating something both unsettling and thought-provoking.


How do you balance suspense and psychological intrigue in the film, and what techniques did you use to create tension?

The key to balancing suspense and psychological intrigue in "The Deserving" was in pacing. We spent a lot of time building tension slowly, allowing the audience to feel the character’s internal struggles before the horror truly manifests. We also used visual storytelling—such as long takes, close-ups, and a muted color palette—to create a sense of unease. Silence played a significant role in the film, as the absence of sound can often be more unsettling than loud noises. Music and sound design were also crucial in amplifying tension. By keeping the audience on edge with psychological conflict, the horror elements became much more impactful.

Can you discuss the symbolism of the ghosts haunting your character and their significance in exploring the cyclical nature of abuse?

The ghosts in "The Deserving" represent more than just supernatural entities—they are physical manifestations of guilt, remorse, and the trauma passed down through generations. My character is haunted not just by the literal ghosts of his victims but by the unresolved emotional scars from his past, particularly from witnessing domestic violence as a child. The ghosts serve as a reminder that trauma, especially unaddressed, can haunt individuals throughout their lives and manifest in destructive ways. By incorporating these supernatural elements, we were able to symbolize the cyclical nature of abuse, where one generation’s sins can impact the next. It’s a way to visually represent the inescapable consequences of one’s actions.









What are your expectations for the film's worldwide digital release, and how do you hope audiences will respond?

I hope that the worldwide release of "The Deserving" will resonate with a diverse audience. It’s a film that speaks to universal themes like guilt, trauma, and redemption, which I believe can connect with people across cultures. My expectation is that viewers will not only be entertained by the psychological horror but will also take away a deeper understanding of the message within the film. I’m excited to see how different audiences around the world react, especially as we explore new markets through digital platforms like Amazon and Apple.


How does it feel to have received over 15 awards, including Best Feature and Best Actor, at various film festivals?
  
It’s an incredible honor to receive recognition from such esteemed film festivals, and it’s honestly still surreal. Winning awards for Best Feature and Best Actor across multiple countries reaffirms the hard work and dedication that went into making "The Deserving." It’s a testament to the entire cast and crew who believed in this project and gave their all to make it a success. More than the accolades, though, it’s the knowledge that audiences and critics alike have connected with the story that makes this journey truly fulfilling.


What's next for you and "The Deserving" in terms of marketing, distribution, and potential sequels or spin-offs?

Right now, we’re focused on the global release, ensuring that as many people as possible get to experience the film. We’re also working on expanding its presence in international markets. In terms of marketing, we’re actively engaging with horror fans and film communities to build excitement. As for the story, I believe there’s potential for more. While "The Deserving" stands on its own, the themes it explores could definitely be expanded in future projects. I wouldn’t rule out a sequel or spin-off, especially if audiences want to delve deeper into the world we’ve created.









How does "The Deserving" mark a turning point in your career, and what lessons have you learned from this experience?

"The Deserving" is a significant milestone in my career, as it represents the culmination of years of passion, dedication, and hard work. I’ve learned so much through this process, particularly about perseverance. Producing, acting, and wearing multiple hats in this project pushed me beyond my limits, and I’ve come out of it with a deeper understanding of filmmaking. It’s taught me the importance of collaboration, patience, and staying true to your vision, even when things get tough.


What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and actors looking to break into the industry?

My biggest piece of advice is to believe in your vision and never stop learning. The road to success is rarely a straight path, and there will be countless obstacles along the way, but it’s perseverance that makes the difference. Surround yourself with people who believe in your project, be open to collaboration, and always be willing to push your boundaries. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks—whether it’s in the stories you tell or the roles you take on. Keep honing your craft and seize every opportunity to grow.

Can you share any upcoming projects or ideas you're excited about exploring in the future?

I’m currently working on developing a few new projects, including another Thriller film that dives even deeper into psychological terror. I’m also exploring stories that focus on cross-cultural themes, blending elements from both American and Indian storytelling traditions. I’m particularly interested in exploring more experimental forms of filmmaking, similar to what we did with "The Deserving." There’s so much potential in genre films to push boundaries and challenge audiences, and I’m excited to see where that takes me.