Director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar and his team will be off to Europe soon to shoot for the upcoming film, which is yet-to-be titled. The Basaveshwara statue on the banks of river Thames in London has been finalised for the muhurath shot of the film, starring Vasishta Simha and Manvitha Harish. The shoot is to begin on August 4.
As earlier reported, Nagathihalli’s film, the story of which is written by his daughter, Kanasu, is on the lines of 90s superhit, America, America. The ‘Maestru’ of the Kannada industry is currently juggling roles of film director, president of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, mentor at his Tent house and travelogue.
While sharing a photograph of Manvitha Harish with City Express, the director also confirmed that Vasishta will be replacing Gurunandan. “We had Gurunandan on board initially, but he made an early exit because of a commitment with another film,” he says, adding, “We’ve found a replacement in Vasishta, whose baritone voice and acting method will work for us.”
Nagathihalli is awaiting the actor’s schedule to be done with his current commitment because he requires a makeover for my film. A photo shoot is planned with Vasishta in the coming days. “Through the film, I want to break away from the typical NRI look. Instead, the British born Kannada boy will have a rugged look. The story has layers to it, in addition to love and crime, we are bringing in the cultural and ideological differences between the two countries,” he says.
Meanwhile, Nagathihalli has brought on board senior actors, Prakash Belawadi and Sumalatha, who will play the roles of NRIs in his film. The film is produced by YN Shankare Gowda with a couple of filmmaker friends, including NRIs, investing in the project. Even as the director and his team zero-in on an apt title, they will continue shooting across Wales, Scotland and Manchester.
British DOP Will Price on board
The director has roped in British cameraman, Will Price for his upcoming project. Will has worked in three feature films, multiple short films, music videos, documentaries and commercial ventures. This Sandalwood film will mark his debut in an Indian film. Meanwhile, the makers also plan to hire a few artistes from the UK. However, details will be revealed once contracts are signed.