BANGALORE: Theatre artiste Balu is a familiar face to those cine buffs who watched the Kannada film Anu, which was released on January 9, 2009. Anu was a remake of the Telugu film Anasuya. While Bhumika played the lead role in the Telugu version, Pooja Gandhi, who is trying her level best to instill confidence in the HIV positive people in Karnataka, played the lead role in the Kannada version. Balu not only acted as a villain in Anu, but also worked as the producer.
Though the Telugu version was a huge hit at the box office, the Kannada adaptation crashed beyond redemption. “I have not understood the reason for its failure even after two years. The movie had all the elements that are necessary to keep the audience glued to their seats. It taught me a good lesson,” says Balu.
Currently, Balu is busy with the preparations for his next movie Mestri. The muhurat function for the movie is slated for Thursday at Sri Kanteerava Studios. Parole fame Rani has been assigned to play the heroine in this action-oriented film, whereas Dhuniya fame Rashmi is the supporting actress.
Why Rashmi? “The script of the movie demands an artiste of Rashmi’s stature. I felt that Rashmi can do justice with this role,” says Balu with a smile.
Niranjan Babu, who worked behind the camera for the movie Anu, has been assigned the same responsibility for Mestri.
What is the story? “The movie is all about an angry young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl. It is an action-oriented movie,” says Balu.
Mestri’s shooting is expected to take place in Bangalore, Mangalore and Mumbai. “The shooting will be completed in 65 days,” explains Balu.
Muralimohan, who directed the Upendra-starred film Nagarahaavu, will play a guest role while Chellenging Star Darshan will be seen in a key role. S Rajakiran, who penned the famous lyric Jinka Mareena for the film Nanda Loves Nandita, is making his debut as a director with this film.
maheswarareddy@expressbuzz.com