While using slang in languages little do we think about how it came into being.
The slang used in today’s Kannada language dates back to the ’80s and was introduced mainly by Thyagaraja Paramasiva Kailasam, popularly known as Kailasam in his theatrical comedy plays.
Kailasam’s work is considered among the best in Kannada theatre.
Legendary for his wit and satirical commentary on society, much of which is still relevant today, Kailasam was one of yesteryear’s playwrights who wrote commercial plays when the world around him was still engrossed in mythological characters.
But, today, almost 70 years after Kailasam’s death, the 26-year-old MG Srinivas has made an effort to relive the life of his hero, TP Kailasam though his 40-minute film — Simply Kailawesome — and has thereby, made an attempt to refresh the minds of the common people about the man, who was once called the Prahasana Prapitamaha (father of humorous plays).
“The movie is shot based on the play by AS Murthy called ‘Typical Aarathi’ and is about TP Kailasam’s conversation with a few female characters from his famous plays. Simply Kailawesome is a nerve tickling conversation of the author with the characters of his plays,” says MG Srinivas, the actorcum- director of the movie.
Ask him why he has made a short film instead of a play.
“Through a short film, one can communicate easily with the audience.
Short films is not only a challenge to the director or the actor, but it also helps you focus solely on the character.
I decided to play the role of TP Kailasam since I felt finding someone else having a better understanding of the character would be difficult in a short period. I had to practice for about two months to get into the skin of the character and learn his mannerism and style. It was quite challenging. Actress Chaya Singh, who plays four characters in the play, has once again proved her versatility. I am confident that the audience will love her in the movie,” he says.
Srinivas says he had managed to get a wonderful crew despite the budget constrains.
“SV Babu, who has produced movies like Sangama and Josh agreed to do this movie even after I told him that I did not expect any returns from it. We took about five months to complete the work of the movie, which will be out by next month,” he added.