Dinakar Thoogudeepa has always been seeking to show of his capabilities. After beginning as an assistant director and graduating to a director who has not disappointed his audience with his three films, he has even succeeded as a producer. Now, with the upcoming Darshan-starrer, Dinakar is revealing another talent — acting by playing the role of an antagonist.
Currently in Hyderabad, having joined the Chakravarthy team, Dinakar seems to have inspired curiosity on the sets with his new avatar. His portrayal is quite like that by his father Thoogudeepa Srinivas, who was known for his villainous roles.
City Express got hold of Dinakar’s first look in Chakravarthy, and those familiar with his father’s character will not miss the resemblance.
Seen in a retro look designed by art director Eshwari Kumar, which was necessitated because of the theme of the film, the first-time actor credits his makeover to director Chintan. “He knows how I should look in the film and he has been involving himself in dressing up my character. He is looking into every minute detail of my personality and even arranged for a pair of slippers specially made from North Karnataka,” he says.
According to Dinakar, he was nervous on the first day of shoot and even suggested Chintan rethink about roping him in. “I have been telling him that he can replace me if he doesn’t find me good enough. But, he says I am perfect. What is surprising me more is that he is okaying my shot with one take, which is like a pat on my back. It has been four days and I am settling myself into the character,” he notes.
Not taking the role for granted, Dinakar asserts that he has been doing his homework before getting to the sets.
“I started by watching all the old films of my father. I also watched movies of Vajramuni and others who portrayed villainous characters. Though I have watched all the films as a director, I browse through them all over again from an actor’s point of view and it has helped me a lot. Chintan had also defined my character pretty well. Today I am thorough about where and when my scenes are placed,” he says.
The director-producer-actor’s only worry is being compared to his father, which he considers a blessing, but a big responsibility and a challenge too. “I don’t have to copy any of my father’s mannerisms because it is in my genes. But the expectation to see my father in me on big screen is scary,” he mentions.
After Hyderabad, Chakravarthy’s next stop will be in Mysuru followed by places like KGF and Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the two brothers are yet to come face to face in front of the camera, which Dinakar says will definitely be the highlight of the film. “It is best to be kept in suspense and revealed on the big screen,” he says.