Guni Manchikanti

Biography:

Guni Manchikanti is a Telugu filmmaker and writer who has gradually worked his way toward the director’s chair after gaining experience behind the scenes in the film industry. Before making his directorial debut, he worked as an assistant director on films such as *Middle Class Melodies*, *Skylab*, *Gaami*, and *Mechanic Rocky*. These experiences allowed him to work alongside different filmmakers and understand the practical side of filmmaking, from developing a story to executing it on set.

Guni stepped into the spotlight as a director with “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, a new-age Telugu crime comedy produced by Venu Donepudi under Chitralayam Studios. The film brings together an ensemble cast including Tinnu Anand, Upendra Limaye, George Maryan, Akshay Lagusani, Vishnu Oi and others. What makes the project particularly interesting is its setting and production journey—the entire film was shot in Meghalaya, with the story combining crime, humour, unusual characters and a fast-moving chase. Guni has described the project as an opportunity that came at an important stage in his career, especially as a debut director. His journey from assistant director to filmmaker reflects the gradual, hands-on path many young directors take before getting their own opportunity to tell a story.