Seems like Ragini Dwivedi loves taking centre stage. The actress, who is been part of heroine-centric movies such as Ranachandi, Amma, Ragini Superstar and Lady Singham that are still in the making, has again signed on a film of a similar genre. This time her choice is a psychological thriller Huli Devara Kadu, to be helmed by a debut director Jithendra Joe Simon. "Only Ragini can do justice to this role and subject I have scripted and that is why we chose her. More so, there is a lot of scope to perform as the entire film revolves around her. Other characters simply come and go," says Jithendra, who has roped in Rockline Venkatesh, Ramesh Bhat, Edakallu guddada mele Chandrashekhar among others in the star cast.
Though this is Jithendra's first project, he comes with years of experience having worked with his father Joe Simon, a director who is known for action films. "No director entering the film industry wants to follow the same pattern. In an attempt to keep away from love, action and glam, I picked up a psychological thriller. It was a planned move by the whole team. My father appreciated the fact that I thought differently from him. Since, I have also acted in a few films, I know what works well with the audience," he says.
Interestingly, 24-year-old Ankita Gowda from Haasan is producing the film. And according to Jithendra, Ankita is keen to get into the film industry and, before she does, she wants to learn the trade. "Ankita thought the best way to learn is to handle production. She later wants to act," says the director.
Jithendra plans to start with the song recording today and Huli Devara Kadu will go on floors on January 6.
"Huli Devara Kadu is a name of a place near Sirsi and most of our shooting will happen in and around the forest," he says.