Although there is a ready template of comedy-driven films coming out of the Sandalwood’s production box, director Rajesh Murthy is confident that his movie, Money Honey Shani (MHS) differs in terms of treatment. “The film is a different sort of romantic comedy, written, directed and produced by me starring Monish Nagaraj, Bhavana Rao, Kanchan Ramaprasad, RJ Prithvi and Vasu Dixit,” reveals Rajesh, whose last directorial film was Shadayantra in 2006.
Having donned many hats for his second film, which is coming almost after 11 years, Rajesh says, “It was but natural for me as I have been into ad filmmaking for the last 15 to 20 years. In the process, I have gained lot of experience in terms of technical expertise, which I could use in this film.”
MHS is now in last stages of post production. “The film is targeted mainly at the urban young crowd. It’s a character oriented story with money, honey i.e, love and shani as the backdrop in each one’s lives. It’s a collage of the characters’ traits, quirks and funny plight,” he explains. Interestingly the story is narrated from all the five main characters’ point of view, making it an experimental film in Kannada.
Rajesh is confident after having worked with the newcomers. “We have chosen the right kind of people for the movie. Prithivi is an extremely popular RJ and he debuts in Kannada through this film playing the role of a ruthless gangster.
Then we have Vasu Dixit portraying the character of a Pathan. Being a musician and lead vocalist, acting comes very naturally to him. He too enters the silver screen with this film,” he states. According to Rajesh, the star cast is strong and he also specifically points out on Monish Nagaraj, who has already made his debut in the Hinglish film Kya Yaaron, and his role was widely appreciated by the audience. “This will be his first Kannada film.
We also have Bhavana, the Gaalipata girl, in a new avatar and Kanchan Ramprasad, who started her acting career with the hit television series, Norrentu Sullu. They are celebrities in their own right but not necessarily film stars,” he emphasises.
The film is all set to release in May. “I can call this as a non-linear film which is low budget and consciously experimental,” he says.