'The body adds to the character'
Looks like Chetan Chandra's next film has undergone a title change. Earlier called Simha Rashi, it has now been registered as Kumba Rashi. Director Chandrahasa says that as they couldn't get the earlier title, they had to change it to Kumba Rashi — but the script remains the same. The story, he adds, revolves around a hero who has grown up in a graveyard.
"The movie has a good mix of elements of sentiment, action, romance and humour," says Chandrahasa. The director goes on to add that Kumba Rashi has a few songs and three action portions that still have to be completed. "We have in fact planned to shoot for one of the action portions in a burial ground set," he reveals.
The film stars Chetan and Roopika in the lead roles. And by the looks of it, Chetan has really worked hard for his role in the film by building up an eight-pack. The effort is showing in the film and he has been getting a lot of appreciation even before the release. Chetan reveals that it was always his dream to build eight-pack abs and he felt that Kumba Rashi was the perfect opportunity to showcase this new look.
"I always wanted to build my body but never got around to working on it. When this movie was offered to me, I took it up as a challenge. The film is a completely action-packed one and it gives me plenty of opportunity to show off my talent — also, the body adds to the character," says Chetan, who took six months to achieve his target.
But getting there was no easy task, adds Chetan, who worked up to six hours a day in the gym and complemented that with two hours of brisk walking. Speaking more about his character, Chetan says that the role has a lot of grey shades and he will also be showcasing some martial arts. It's very different from his previous movies like 'PUC', Premism, Rajadhani and Jarasandha, but Chetan is confident that this move will not affect his on-screen persona.
Different shades of love
Joining the bandwagon of emotional love stories in Sandalwood is 'Love is Poison'. Directed by Nandan Prabhu and produced by K Somashekhar under the banner 'Akash Enterprises', the shooting for the movie has already begun in and around the City.
This is Nandan Prabhu's second directorial after Preethiya Loka — it looks like he has a strong connection to love stories. In this movie, he has roped in Rajesh, the winner of the reality show Halli Huduga Pyatege Banda and from the movie Jungle Jackie. The movie, the director promises, will give Rajesh a much-needed image makeover. Not revealing much about the film, Nandan says, "This is a romantic film but not all love stories are straight and this too will have its set of twists."
Having already completed the talkie portion of the film, the team is currently picturising two songs -- Ee Kaali Hrudaya and Kanna Munde. With colourful sets and using the serene backdrop of the beaches of Gokarna, the songs star the lead pair Rajesh and Khushi, a Mumbai model-cum-actress.
It looks like there is a lot to expect from this flick. Sai Kiran has composed the music for the film, Ananth Urs has handled the camera and 'Thriller' Manju has choreographed the stunts.