With 110 films behind him, Shivarajkumar understands the dynamics of Sandalwood and the changing tastes of the audience better than anyone else. His movies have had a hint of mystery, dollops of commerce and even the fantastical.
Shivarajkumar has entertained the audience through various genres, and he cannot be pigeon-holed into any one.
And now, with his film Santheyalli Nintha Kabira releasing this week, the versatile actor has tried a period film. He says, “This is definitely a different film, a genre rarely made today. Appaji (Rajkumar) was part of such films and he had successfully pulled it off with Bhakta Kumbara, Santatukaram, Mahishasura Mardini, to name a few. In fact, he had portrayed the character of Kabira in one of his films. So I can only say that I am just experimenting with this film. What is making me anxious though is that such roles lead people to compare me with my father.”
The curiosity element prior to its release is on the higher side with the film. He agrees. “Only fear can help an actor experiment with different kinds of films. If whatever we do becomes a success, then we become God. Having said that, I am glad such a film came into my kitty,” he says.
According to the actor, the violence in Kabira directed by Indra Babu is subtly portrayed as a reflection of the times, 14th century. But he asserts the story is still relevant. The language used too matches the period’s.
“We have tried to transport the audience to the 14th century. Not many know that Kannada that was spoken in the 14th Century. So, we have stuck to simple Kannada with variations in certain words,” says Shivarajkumar.
The actor reveals that his father’s films were of great help while portraying the character. “I tried to carry the feeling that appaji carried in his eyes while doing such films. I have also tried to pick the language he used,” he says.
It is known that Kabira was born Hindu and brought up by a Muslim. Shivarajkumar appreciates the producer Kumaraswamy Pathikonda's courage in making the film. “It is very rare to see producers taking a risk with such films,” he says.
Shivarajkumar says Naveen Kumar, the cinematographer, is the hero of the film with his excellent picturisation.
“Another star is the music director Ismail Darbar who has given authentic music for the subject. He has used four dohas and the songs are soothing and express Kabira’s feelings. The dohas represents love, religion and patriotism respectively,” he says and adds that half of his job of getting into the character was taken care with makeup by Nani and hair dressing by Raju.
“They made the look authentic. In such films, even the co-artistes are very important. Therefore, female lead Sanusha, Anant Nag, Avinash, Sharath Kumar, Bhagirathi Bai and Sharath Lohitawa’s contributions cannot be overstated,” he says.