BANGALORE: They say every Friday is a game changer for films that aim for box office success. But the makers of Gajakesari are so fortunate that they have earned back their investment even before its release.
Gajakesari is the fifth film made with Yash and producers Jayanna and Bogendra, and it is already rocking in terms of business. The crew is happy with the outcome and is looking forward to the release this Friday. Jayanna says, “The dubbing rights of the film in Hindi have been sold for `1.50 crore. The satellite rights of Gajakesari was sold for `4.50 crore, which is almost double the price of his last film Googly, which went for `1.95 crore.”
Gajakesari is special for Jayanna for various reasons. “This is my combination with Yash, who is working in a period film for the first time. This is Krishna’s debut as a director with Sathya Hegde working as the cinematographer. The highlight of the movie is Yash’s hair extension, which is first of its kind in Sandalwood. We have spent `15 lakh alone for these extensions and 50 per cent of the film will see him in a period drama avatar,” he explains.
Jayanna wants the film to be a memorable product. “That is why we want to release it in 150-175 theatres only. Gajakesari should become a milestone in the Kannada film industry and create a record. Only then will the team be satisfied after all the efforts that have been put into making the film,” he says.
S Krishna, a cinematographer who turned first-time director with Gajakesari, is a satisfied man today. “I never even imagined that I would get this kind of a response for my first film as a director. Everything has started and ended on a positive note till date. Nothing was planned or imagined. I have tried my best. I don’t want to get into the financial aspects of the project, but I can say that the producer is happy,” he says.
Krishna admits that his experience in cinematography has helped him get better in direction. “It helped me especially during the period segment scenes. I have used almost all types of cameras including GoPro, 5D, 7D, Red Epic, Alexa and Sony F 65. Gajakesari has been shot 70 per cent on negative, which is a two-hour-forty-minute-film.
However, he is clear that he would not give up on his first love, cinematography. “If not direction, I will continue to be a cinematographer forever. I had to let a couple of films go, including Vinay Rajkumar’s, because of the date clash. Cinematography is more or less like a director’s job. I enjoy both the portfolios,” he says.