QUEEN’S ROAD: Mr and Mrs Ramachari, the Kannada film starring Yash and Radhika Pandit, releases today in theatres across the state. And it is a moment of significance for the film industry for several reasons.
In the film, Yash plays a character that looks up to Ramachari, the role Vishnuvardhan brought to life in the 1972 blockbuster Nagarahavu. After 42 years, the filmmakers hope to take the audience on a trip down memory lane with glimpses of the one of the veteran actor’s best performances.
Mr and Mrs Ramachari will hit screens five days before the death anniversary of Vishnuvardhan. Nagarahavu was released on December 29, 1972.
“The movie was destined to hit screens around this time. We could have released it much earlier. But our schedule got delayed due to extreme weather conditions and we had to push it. I always believe that when you make good cinema, things will work out in your favour,” says Yash. The timing could not have been better for the actor, as he is all set to celebrate the New Year and his birthday (January 8) after the release.
Mayur, a tattoo artist from Basaveshwaranagar, drew 85 tattoos of Vishnuvardhan on Yash, one for each day of shooting for the film. Apparently, the star dedicated an hour for the tattoo work every day.
“The credit goes to director Santhosh Ananddaram as it was his idea to have a tattoo. And Mayur did a wonderful job. He had this great energy while he was at work. I also feel that tattoos are the best way for a fan to express his love for his favourite actor. Have the veteran’s picture drawn on my chest was a memorable moment for me. I think it takes the character to a whole new level,” he says.The actor says it wasn’t difficult to get into character because he never forgot Ramachari.
“For people, in general, cinema is just entertainment. There are some who imitate their favourite heroes, while others get influenced by the character’s principles. My character in Mr and Mrs Ramachari falls in the second category,” says Yash, who admits to have been moved after watching Vishnuvardhan in Nagarahavu.
“There is a Ramachari in every youngster. But it is difficult to live like that — to always keep one’s word, bow down to justice, respect elders and make sacrifices. Even I was influenced by the roles played by Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh in Nagarahavu. I also felt that it was a well-sketched character for Vishnuvardhan who debuted with this film,” says Yash.
He goes on to add, “Our film carries the essence of the character. We have managed to keep it realistic and entertaining as well. And though this film, we hope to pay a tribute to Vishnuvardhan.”