Rayagada: Milan Kumar Nayak, a resident of this town, has carved a niche for himself by working as the assistant director in the recently-released super hit Telugu film Hanu Man, sources said here Tuesday. Milan’s father was an employee of a paper mill here while his mother is a homemaker. Hanu Man which hit theatre screens across the country January 12, has drawn applause from the viewers for blending the traditional genre of the devotional story with a contemporary superhero narrative. It has received huge praise from all sections of the society. The film has so far done business of over Rs 275 crores. However, such is the popularity of the film that it may even cross the Rs 500-crore mark.
Sources said that filmmaking was not the initial choice of Milan. After earning a B-Tech degree in engineering, he worked in a multinational company for three years. However, he had a penchant for films since childhood and it finally drew him to the world of film making. This love for movies grew after he watched plays and films regularly. Milan has worked as assistant director so far in four films However, it is because of the success of Hanu Man he has been lauded for his directorial skills. Milan was born at JKPur in Rayagada district. He, after completing his Plus II, did his B.Tech from Paralakhemundi.
However, his passion for films took him to Mumbai. He has also worked as an assistant director in two Hindi films titled Luptand Modiji Ki Beti. Milan shifted to Hyderabad in 2019 where he directed two Telugu films. Then he joined the unit of Hanu Man. He handled sets, post-production and screenplay, and other aspects of filmmaking. When contacted, Milan said he hopes to work as a full-fledged director in the future. He also expressed his interest to work in Odia films if he is given a chance. He said that a person can certainly achieve his goals if he has a strong will. He added that he still remembers his initial days of struggle, but it has ‘helped him to grow’. Milan is currently living here with his family who are overjoyed with his success. They are hoping that he continues to achieve success in all his future endeavors.