After becoming the highest grossing film in the history of Kannada cinema—beating the long-standing record of the 2006 film Mangaru Male—Raajakumara’s success can be best summarised by its writer and director, Santhosh Ananddram himself: ‘clarity on content’.Santhosh says he allowed himself to take enough time and shape the script before even thinking about the casting, and his future course will also remain the same. “I am a believer in the story, and if I am not convinced with the script, I do not go ahead,” says the director who made a splash with his directorial debut with Mr and Mrs Ramachari in 2014.
The director is now working on his next film and sticking to his word—he is taking his time to weave a strong script. So much so that he has not even thought about the star cast. “I have started work with my team. The subject will be interesting and the movie—to be made on a larger scale than my earlier projects—will come with a social message,” he promises.
Santhosh also asserts that apart from the strength of his stories, it has been a blessing to be associated with a production house which values his talent. “I am happy to work with Hombale Films because they are very passionate producers who understand cinema and value technicians. They put in the necessary investment and even spend on the script. They acknowledge hard work,” says Santhosh, who will be associating with the banner for the third time in a row.
Santhosh is also glad that the production house has bigger plans. “Vijay Kiragandur and Karthik Gowda, who are behind Hombale Films, are now opening a distribution house,” he says and adds that he is trying to speed up his third project, which according to rumours might have Shivarajkumar or Sudeep in the lead. “It will take a little longer to decide.
But once I have the final script in hand, I want to make sure that I complete the shoot and release the film within six months of going on floors,” he adds.Rumours are abuzz that Raajakumara will be remade in Telugu, and that Hombale Films will be venturing into Tollywood for the first time, producing the film, and Santhosh will be directing the Telugu version too.
“I am glad to be part of such a film. The credit goes to director Santhosh Ananddram, who has given the biggest hit to the industry. He made a big record with his debut and followed it up with a bigger hit.”
— Puneeth Rajkumar, who played the lead