Nagathihalli Back with a New Film

The director has cast popular serial artistes Vijay Suriya and Mayuri along with film actor Kavya Shetty
Nagathihalli Back with a New Film

When given a chance by a director like Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, many would not think twice about letting go of  previous commitments. So, when small screen actors Vijay Suriya and Mayuri, who are part of popular serials Agni Sakshi and Ashwini Nakshatra respectively, were given the opportunity, they decided to complete two months of their portions to keep themselves free for a 50-day schedule of Nagathihalli’s film. The director has also roped in Kavya Shetty to play a lead in the yet-to-be titled project.

The multiple award winning director, who was on a sabbatical for two-and-a-half years, is back to helm a project, which he says is a unique love story. “The film is based on one of the popular stories of the 1980s written by Dodderi Venkatagiri Rao. The short story, which is still relevant, was named Istakamya and was serialised in Sudha magazine,” he reveals and adds that the film will be shot against the lush green backdrop in Koppa and Chickamangalur. “I have got a permission from a friend who owns a 35-year-old estate. It is still unexplored. We plan to be there just when the rain stops. Most probably I will start rolling from first week of September,” he says.

Nagathihalli asserts that during his self-imposed break, he was offered many projects which were all remakes. “I was against them. But I did do a serial with Anant Nag and Vinay Prasad,” he says.

Nagathihalli’s yet-to-be-titled film is produced by Shankare Gowda, the director’s friend from Mysuru who is going for a compact budget. “He has been waiting for the last two years to associate with me. I have a tight budget but a wonderful narration and technically, we do not intend to compromise,” he says.

Even though the director runs a film institute - Tent cinema, he reveals that the students were too raw to face the camera. “I didn’t have time to start from the basics. That’s when I relied on television and shortlisted a few artistes. As for Kavya, I thought she had expressive eyes and could carry the role very well. Both heroines  have significant roles and this  will be a good platform for them,” asserts the director. The film will have music by Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematographer Ravikumar Sana will be framing the narrative.

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The New Indian Express
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