Darshan has set aside most of this month for Viraat, H Vasu’s directorial, which got shelved three years ago owing to financial problems.
With C Kalyan (former SIFCC President) taking over as producer, shooting has resumed. However, the star’s appearance has changed much over the past three years. The difference in Darshan’s look between the bits shot now and sequences shot earlier will be telling. “Each scene will have shots with the old look and shots with the new,” says the star, adding that while this is unfortunate it can’t be helped.
Darshan also has a verbal agreement with the new producer that the actor is not responsible if Kalyan fails to recover his money.
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I have openly told the new producer that they should not expect any gain from Viraat as the film has had a few hitches, with the old producers misusing the funds,” he says.
He found Kalyan’s confidence in the project surprising. “I even suggested that the project be shelved again. Of course, I will be the happiest person in the world if Kalyan earns something from Viraat. But if he does not, I should not be blamed,” says Darshan.
He recalls an earlier project, Boss, which suffered this fate. “It taught me just what happens to a film when it gets delayed and stale. Cinema is like a hot cake; it is meant to be kept in the showcase and consumed fast,” he says.
He took up the the project to help H Vasu, he told City Express. “He was feeling low, and had very little to do. And his daughter was at a marriageable age,” he says. “But it got all messed up. This, again, is another lesson. That’s why I thought it’s better to clear the air now. Apart from acting, I am not obligated to Viraat in any other way,” he reiterates.
A budget of `8 crore would have sufficed earlier, whereas almost double the amount -- `15 crore -- is being spent now. “Back then, the producers had spent `6 crore, and then they had borrowed more. The money, with the interest, needs to be paid back by the current producer,” he says. “The old producers have collected money from almost all theatres in the state, and have already sold the satellite rights for `2.5 crore.”
Bovine tales
Darshan was on the lookout for a cow of a rare breed. His fans managed to find a Redden calf and gifted it to him in Mysuru last Sunday. “I got emotional when I received it. My farm in Mysuru is its home now,” says the animal-lover, still overwhelmed by his fans’ gesture.
In a couple of days, he’s off to Sabarimala, his much-awaited pilgrimage for a week.
He’s back on June 20 to complete the songs for Viraat. And he has promised the time from July 1 to 15 to Airavata .