Meet Venkat Sai Gunda

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Venkat Sai Gunda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Venkat Sai, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through struggle, silence, and storytelling. I didn’t grow up with a clear roadmap, so I had to create one. Moving from Small town in India to the U.S., working in tech, and then stepping into filmmaking was not a straight path, but I realized storytelling was the one thing that made me feel alive.

My film The Deserving was not just a project. It was a declaration of what I believed in, what I feared, and what I wanted to share with the world. When that story connected with people across languages and borders, I knew this was more than a passion. It was purpose.

Now, with The Storyteller Universe, I am building something bigger than myself. A platform where other voices, especially the unheard ones, can rise. I believe my purpose is to create space for stories that matter and the storytellers behind them.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a storyteller driven by the desire to explore human emotion, identity, and purpose through film. My work spans acting, directing, and writing, and I focus on telling stories that feel honest, raw, and emotionally resonant.

My feature film The Deserving has received recognition at over 25 international festivals and is now available globally. It’s a psychological thriller that dives deep into guilt, redemption, and the complexities of the human mind. For me, storytelling isn’t about formulas or trends. It’s about truth the kind that lingers with you long after the screen fades to black.

What excites me most is the ability to connect with people through shared experiences and perspectives. I believe films are not just entertainment, but a mirror and a bridge showing us who we are and who we could become.

Right now, I’m focused on developing new projects, exploring deeper character-driven narratives, and collaborating with creatives who value purpose over perfection.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey.

1. Resilience.
There were countless moments of rejection, doubt, and uncertainty, especially while transitioning into film. But resilience kept me grounded and moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear.

2. Emotional Intuition.
As a storyteller, the ability to feel deeply and understand human emotion has helped me create characters and narratives that resonate with others. It’s not just a creative tool, it’s a life compass.

3. Self-Taught Learning.
I didn’t come from a traditional film background. I learned by doing, observing, and staying curious. That mindset helped me wear multiple hats from acting and directing to editing and producing and ultimately made me a more complete filmmaker.

These three have shaped not just my creative path, but also how I face life and connect with others.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe in going all in on your strengths while staying just aware enough of your weaknesses not to let them hold you back.

Focusing on my strengths is what truly moved my journey forward. I knew I had a deep emotional sensitivity and an instinct for storytelling. Instead of trying to be perfect at everything, I leaned into those strengths and used them to create my film The Deserving. I took on multiple roles in the project, not because I was the best at each one, but because I trusted my vision and knew how I wanted the story to feel.

At the same time, I knew I wasn’t technically trained in every aspect of filmmaking. Rather than spending years trying to master everything, I collaborated with people who complemented my skill set. That balance allowed me to stay focused on my core strength telling a story that connects while trusting others to bring their strengths into the process.

Trying to be well-rounded can sometimes dilute your energy. I’ve found that when you double down on what you naturally do best, people notice. That’s what creates momentum, recognition, and growth. So my advice is this: know your strengths, bet on them fully, and build a team or network to fill in the rest.

Contact Info:

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