Story Discussion

Story Discussion is an Indian Telugu-language web series that first premiered in 2017, created and directed by Rohit Penumatsa and Camp Sasi, featuring music composed by Vivek Sagar. The series explores the chaotic world behind the scenes of the film industry, with the first season released directly on the YouTube channel RunwayReel Originals unfolding in the office of Mohan Kumar, a director known for successful low-budget action films. The cast includes Camp Sasi, Karthik Sabareesh, Harshavardhana, Laxman Meesala, Gayathri Gupta, SS Varma, and others.

The second season, released on Rohit & Sasi's YouTube channel, Avanti Cinema, shifts its focus to Prakash Chowdary, Mohan Kumar's twin brother, and a once successful filmmaker facing financial struggles. Season 2 introduces new characters and explores Prakash's attempts at a comeback after a decade of inactivity. The series tackles the personal and professional challenges Prakash encounters, including the complexities brought by the return of KV from Season 1. Notably, the first five episodes were released on August 22, 2020, with episodes 6 to 9 coming out a year later on June 10, 2021, and the season 2 finale on June 12, 2021. The series received positive acclaim for its innovative storytelling in Season 1, while Season 2 had a mixed reception, prompting discussions on its worthiness.

Season 1
The first season of Story Discussion revolves around the chaotic events in the office of Mohan Kumar, a successful low-budget action film director. The narrative unfolds over a 24-hour period, capturing the reactions of the cast and crew when Mohan abruptly decides to abandon their planned action film Yamakinkarulu in favor of a freemake of the Bollywood classic Rangleela (1995). The sudden shift in plans triggers a series of comedic and dramatic situations, as characters navigate the challenges and uncertainties brought about by this unexpected change. The season explores the dynamics within the film industry, the creative process, and the consequences of daring decisions in the pursuit of storytelling.

Season 2
In the second season of Story Discussion, the storyline shifts its focus from Mohan Kumar to his twin brother, Prakash Chowdary. A once successful filmmaker, Prakash now faces financial struggles, living in Krishna Nagar. The season unfolds as a day in Prakash's life, highlighting the challenges he encounters after a decade of inactivity since his last film in 2008. Season 2 explores Prakash's attempts at a comeback, depicting the intricacies of his personal and professional hardships. KV's return from Season 1 adds new complexities, and Prakash works to secure funding for his script. The season concludes with Prakash's potential resurgence, as his new film enters pre-production, navigating industry hurdles with the introduction of dialogue writer MSR.

Season 1

 * Camp Sasi as Mohan Kumar, a very successful movie director who delivered two box-office hits Deva Dasu, Fakeer and is now gearing up for his third, an action film "Yama Kinkarulu" only to cancel it a day before shoots and decides to freemake Rangeela (1995) as Sitara
 * Gayathri Gupta as Navi (The Actress)
 * Harshavardhana as Harsha (The Writer)
 * Laxman Meesala as Laxman (The Cook), a cook at Mani Kishore's production office who turns into actor overnight
 * Karthik Sabareesh as Mani Kishore (The Producer)
 * Rahul Ramakrishna as Himself (Writer's friend)
 * Ravikiran Venkata as Himself
 * Dinesh as Dinesh (The Villain)
 * Mahesh as KV (The Hero)
 * SS Verma as Varma (Chief Assistant Director)

Season 2

 * Camp Sasi as Prakash Chowdary, Mohan Kumar's estranged twin brother, Director of a very successful film Kirayi Hanthakudu which was a blockbuster, followed by "100 Bulletlu" and "Paripoina Dongalu" which was huge flops, since Prakash Chowdary was dubbed "one-hit-wonder"
 * Mohan Bhagath as Himself
 * Pawon Ramesh as Watchman Venkat
 * Krishna Pasnoor as Manikya Rao (Loan Victim)
 * Bharat Vyas as Nani (The Neighbour), Prakash Chowdary's neighbour
 * Shalini Sai as Shalini (The Girlfriend), KV's girlfriend
 * Anvesh Michael as Michael, Prakash Chowdary's neighbour
 * Abhay Bethiganti as Prasad (Accountant)
 * Raj Tirandasu as Nagaraj (Realtor)
 * Jagan Yogiraj as Dundagudu
 * MSR as Dialogue Writer
 * Vijayawada as Muse
 * Priyadarshi Pulikonda as Director Of Photography (cameo)
 * Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari as Stunt Master (cameo)

Season 2 (2020-2021)
In August 2018, creators of the show have launched a Pitch trailer to raise funds for second season of the show, the storyline picks up right after first season and introduces us to Prakash Chowdary elder brother of Mohan Kumar.

Music
Vivek Sagar composed the music for both seasons, while Sanjay Das, Teja ASGK and Jubin Raj handled Sound Design and Mixing. The album was released independently on Tapeloop Records on YouTube and eventually on all music platforms.

Reception
The first season of Story Discussion garnered widespread acclaim, marking a novel approach to long-format content on YouTube. The second season faced heightened expectations but received a mixed reception. Karthik Keramalu of Film Companion expressed ambivalence, stating, "Is this a story of a director who's dubbed a one-hit wonder? Yes. But is this a story that's worth your time? That's definitely debatable". A critic from VoxSpace wrote that "The show again, like its first season works because of the brilliant ensemble on display. While most of the original cast is back, the new additions are just as good and quirky for the lack of better word" and opined that "The show changes up certain stylistic flourishes that sometimes work for and sometimes against the pacing".

Story Discussion Universe
The Story Discussion Universe (SDU) consists of 2 seasons of Story Discussion, a feature film Ranganaayaki, and a short film Ajeeb Dastan. Camp Sasi plays a pivotal role across all properties of SDU, primarily as Director Mohan Kumar, Sasi also appeared as an estranged twin of Mohan Kumar, as Prakash Chowdary in Season 2 of Story Discussion. While also appearing as director Mohan Kumar in the spin-off feature film Ranganaayaki and Ajeeb Dastan.