BANGALORE: Mussanjeya Gelathi could probably be the very first film of its kind in India. The film casts a father and daughter opposite each other in lead roles. BP Srinivas and his daughter Shalini, a PU student, are the lead pair in this film that is aimed at conveying a message to society, especially ‘lewd lecturers’ (those who want to follow `Pathi Patni Aur Woh’ concept seriously) and gullible students.
However, Mussanjeya Gelathi’s seductive posters, especially those of Shalini’s, have provided the much-needed fodder for tabloids to criticise Srinivas and Shalini for misusing cinema to quench their thirst of acting in films at any cost.
It was learnt that Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jayamala, as a mark of protest, has even refused to attend its audio release function recently.
Many people in Gandhinagar feel that Mussanjeya Gelathi may invite the wrath of women organisations.
“No father and daughter will act as lovers on the screen. This type of concept may convey a wrong message to society,” says a distributor, under the condition of anonymity. Srinivas has not only acted as a hero in this film but also directed it apart from providing the script and finance.
“Many people have a wrong notion about this film. It is not fair on their part to comment about the film without watching it,” says Srinivas.
Asked how he felt while acting with his daughter, he said: “There are no close shots in the film. I play a professor who falls in love with his student (Shalini).
My character mistakes her as a lover but she is in love with other hero in the film.” Shalini is a PU student at Krupanidhi College. Her obsession with the film shooting made her bunk classes. “Acting in films is my childhood ambition. I am thrilled to act in this film. However, I could not attend PUC exam as my attendance fell short by 2 per cent. I am preparing to take up the exam in June,” says Shalini.
How does Shalini felt after acting as a heroine in ‘Mussanjeya Gelathi’? “I am happy but it took me more time to convince my classmates. They too misunderstoo me as I was playing the lead role opposite my father. I explained the character and its importance in the film to them. Now, they are waiting for its release at theatres,” says Shalini.