For the sake of love and friendship
After the success of Drama, actor Yash has started the year with a bang by signing Raja Huli, produced by K Manju. The shooting of the movie will start on January 9, just a day after Yash's birthday.
"It's a fabulous script and I was really impressed with the character that I am going to play. The basic plot is based on friendship and love, which has a rural backdrop. So it's going to be very interesting," says Yash.
Ask him about his birthday plans and he says, "I just want to stay at home and spend some quality time with my family. The whole of last year, I was shooting outdoors and got very little time with my family. I will have many people coming over to my place on my birthday and before my next project starts, I want to spend as much time as I can at home."
Incidentally, Yash has been asked to put on some weight for the role. In Drama and soon-to-be-released 'Googly', Yash is fitter than ever. In Raja Huli, the actor says he has to look heavier.
So is that a challenge for him? "Not at all. I can easily put on weight and even lose it. I am enjoying this phase as I can eat all that I want and work out a little less," he laughs.
The movie is a remake of Tamil film Sundara Pandian and is being directed by Guru Deshpande.It also has Meghana Raj in the lead. But the director is quick to reveal that the Kannada version will be different from the Tamil counterpart.
"It was the universality of the subject that drew all of us to the movie. The youth can relate to this movie as it shows the extent to which they go for the sake of love and friendship," says Guru Deshpande. Guru also goes on to reveal that Meghana Raj will be
making her comeback into Kannada films through this film.
"Although a Kannada girl, she was very busy in the Malayalam film industry. But she has agreed to be a part of this project and is working towards shedding weight for the role," he explains.
Megha Shenoy
A take on corrupt politicians
Looks like director Raghav Loki is leaving no stone unturned for his latest film Lakshmi. The movie, starring Shivarajkumar and Priyamani in the lead, is one of the most awaited films of 2013. The director says that the film has taken a long time to release but the fans will not be disappointed. "We had planned a 'Sankranthi release' but now we are releasing it on January 18," says Raghav.
He also adds that one can expect technical innovations and graphic designs. "The film will have an hour of graphic work, which includes one song and many action and thrilling sequences," he adds.
The movie will see Shivarajkumar playing the role of Lakshmi Narayan, popularly known as Lakshmi, a CBI investigative officer. The film traces the journey of Lakshmi in his investigations and how he tackles the terrorists on one side and the corrupt politicians on the other. "People should be made aware of subjects like terrorism, corruption and black money but as a film-maker, I have to see that my audience don't get bored. Hence, we came out with the script that is packed with commercial elements as well," says Raghav.
'I've given it my best shot'
The shooting for Mahanadi has been completed and the movie is slated for release soon. And the one who's most excited about the way the film has shaped up is actress Sanjjanaa, who confesses that she has given the role her best shot. "I've worn only saris in the film and literally lost count of the number of costume changes that I've had. I've worn more than 40 saris for sure. I have also been able to do some wild stunts in sari. That's how comfortable I was in sari," Sanjjanaa tells Metrolife.
Sanjjanaa has also spent a lot of time — the maximum in her career — shooting for the film which is largely shot along the coastal areas and captures the life of the fisherfolk. "I play a fisherwoman, who is very ambitious and dreams of doing things that are almost impossible for her. I play the lead in the film and somehow, I feel that the story has been written just for me," she beams.
The movie not only captures the dreams and aspirations of a fisherwoman, says Sanjjanaa, but her life is also been linked with that of a river that involves many twists and turns. "This is a heroine-oriented film. At a time when a hero is given a lot of importance, this movie comes as a relief. My character is very strong and there are portions, in the film, where I've had to play up on my emotions. And that part was quite challenging," she informs.
Apart, from a host of Kannada films, Sanjjanaa has also signed up for a couple of Telugu projects as well. "Things are looking up for me and I am glad that some of the roles, that are coming my way are meaty and substantial, especially at a time when competition in the film industry is at its peak," she notes.
Sanjjanaa says that a chance to act with some of the top actors from the Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu film industries has been a humbling experience, "You learn a lot from them. Every new film offers a unique experience," she sums up.
Nina C George