Director R Chandru, who earned fame with his maiden venture Taj Mahal, is to dish out one more romantic film Prem Kahani shortly.
The USP of this film is that it is based on the life of a couple from the village of Keshavara near Chikballapur. Taj Mahal was based on Chandru’s own life. Chandru spoke to Expresso.
Why do you select real life incidents as subjects? Handling the megaphone for films based on real life incidents is challenging for me.
Also, films based on real life incidents can convey a message to society.
Why did you base Taj Mahal on your life? I had cherished dreams of becoming a director since my childhood. My father, being a farmer, did not like the idea. He used to beat me when I bunked school and watched a movie at touring talkies near my village.
I had to run away from home to realise my ambition. I thought it would be nice to tell the future directors that hard work and dedication are musts to realise their ambition. I conveyed this through Taj Mahal.
It was well received.
What is the message of Prem Kahani? I want to convey that love and affection are very important for a couple to lead a happy married life. Prem Kahani is based on the life of a couple living in my neighbouring village.
Earlier, they used to quarrel frequently. Now, they lead a happy family life. Their lifestyle inspired me to make it. I hope the audience will accept this film.
Ajay, who was there in Taj Mahal, will be the hero in ‘Prem Kahani’ too. Why? He proved his mettle in Taj Mahal’.
However, his earlier films bombed at the box office. I always like to encourage heroes who need success.
There is no dearth of heroines in Namma Kannada Naadu. Why did you select Sheela as the heroine for Prem Kahani? I watched her Telugu film Parugu.
She played the heroine opposite Allu Arjun. Her performance was very good. I selected her because she will be an asset for Sandalwood in future. She has acted very well in Prem Kahani.
The pair, Ajay and Sheela, look made for each other.
Prem Kahani is slated for release in September.