For many young professionals, working from home offers flexibility. for Sai Marchandit also became an unexpected stepping stone to a completely different career. He worked as a network engineer at Tech Mahindra for nearly two years before becoming one of the most talked about debut directors in the Telugu film industry. Today, his first movie, little hearthas become one of the most surprising commercial successes of 2025.As his film career continues to develop, an Instagram post he shared earlier this year has resurfaced online, offering a glimpse into his life before filming began. In the post, Sai looked back on his time at the company with honesty, humor and gratitude, admitting that his love for movies began while he was still working as an engineer.
From network engineer to aspiring filmmaker
Sai Marthand is working as a Network Engineer at Tech Mahindra Pune office from 2021 to 2023. In April, he shared a post on Instagram reflecting on his journey to mark the third anniversary of his resignation from the company.Looking back on the work-from-home phase, Sai joked that although he was officially employed as a network engineer, he actually worked from “anywhere.” He also made a candid confession that caught the attention of social media users.Rather than portraying himself as the perfect remote employee, Sai writes that he often slept during work hours, spent time with his cousins, watched countless movies and immersed himself in interviews with filmmakers. Looking back, these activities look less like distractions and more like the early stages of a dream taking shape.He ended the post on a humorous note, writing, “Sorry Mr. Anand,” referring to the Tech Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindrathen thanked the company for the memories and described those years as the most special years of his life.Despite his lighter tone, Sai also expressed his sincere gratitude to his former teammates for their patience and support. He fondly remembers the smart watch he received as a farewell gift when he left the company in April 2023.
The step you took paid off
Soon after resigning, Say decided to pursue filmmaking full-time. It was a risky career move, but one that quickly began to bear fruit.His directorial debut, little heartThe coming-of-age romantic comedy starring Mouli Tanuj Prasanth and Shivani Nagaram was reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 2.4 crore and was shot in just over a month.The film went on to become one of the surprising success stories of Telugu cinema in 2025. According to box office tracker Sacnilk, the film grossed approximately Rs 40 crore at the global box office, significantly exceeding the expectations of the first film. This success was further amplified by the appreciation of Telugu stars Mahesh Babu and Nani, which helped introduce Sai to a wider audience. Following its theatrical release, the film also premiered on Netflix, extending its reach beyond movie theaters.
Recognition and next steps
success little heart With it comes industry recognition. Sai Marthand marked an impressive start to his filmmaking career when he bagged the Best First Feature Director honor at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards.His next project is already in the works. Sai will write and direct an untitled film starring him Adivi Seshproduction is expected to begin after the actors complete work on “G2.”Sai Marthand’s journey may resonate with many young professionals who quietly cultivate ambition outside of their day jobs. From a network engineer attending a virtual conference to a filmmaker winning audiences and industry recognition with his debut, his story shows how a passion for deep conviction can eventually become a career.
