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Srinagar Kitty: I cannot digest heroism in films
Kannada actor Srinagar Kitty (his real name is Krishna) found success in the Kannada industry by choosing to play realistic characters in all his films.
Most of the roles Kitty chose have not been heroic. Be it By Two, Male Barali Manju Irali, Olave Jeevana Lekkachhara, Mathe Mungaru, Savaari, Sanju Weds Geetha, Inthi Ninna Preethiya, Hudugaru, Swayamvara or his most recent Ko Ko, Srinagar Kitty has carved a niche (and a market) for himself in the Kannada industry by these realistic portrayals.
In his latest film, Kiladi Kitty, which is interestingly named after him and the character he plays, Kitty plays a comical character for the first time.
The film is a remake of the Telugu hit Blade Babji and inspired by the English film Blue Streak.
It released last Friday across Karnataka.
In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Srinagar Kitty talks about the film and his foray into playing comic roles.
Why did you choose to play a comic character for the first time?
Kiladi Kitty is a full-fledged comedy and a complete family entertainer.
Yes, I play a comic character for the first time. As an actor, you should be ready to do justice to all kinds of roles. I am game to do all kinds of roles.
Initially, I had reservations about accepting this role. But the confidence that director Ananthraju and producer Shivakumar reposed in me helped me take up this offer. It was really a challenge.
I did do roles in Swayamvara and Saavari which were sort of comical.
I have always been doing realistic roles because I cannot digest heroism or the unrealistic fights or stunts that the hero is shown doing on screen. Yes, I made a departure from playing realistic roles in Ko Ko where I tried some heroism.
'Making a comedy film is serious business'
Kiladi Kitty is being promoted as an 'advanced comedy'. What does that mean?
Yes, it is an 'advanced comedy'. It is also a silly comedy.
In this film, we have tried to experiment with advanced comedy, which entails preparing the audience to laugh as soon as a character appears on screen.
The scenes have worked out well. Audiences had a good laugh and they could take home a lot of happiness.
The character named after me is different from my real self. It is total fun. There's a lot of confusion which makes it funny to watch.
It's a kind of a double role where I become a cop and become a robber and vice-versa.
What changes have been made in the film from the original to suit Kannada audiences?
We made a few changes. We have curtailed the over- dramatisation of some scenes from the original. We have retained the original theme and the basic structure of the movie.
Making a comedy is serious business. It is very difficult to make people laugh. Actors have to be at their best and the onus is entirely on them to make people laugh, unlike in a serious film where the director and the other technicians showcase their talent.
'There are no negative characters in the film'
How are audiences reacting to the comic scenes?
This is the first youthful comedy film to hit the screens this year. Audiences are laughing from the word go. There are no negative characters in the movie. We hope that this film will be much talked about even in future.
Select audiences got an opportunity to win a bat specially autographed by West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle, who also represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing IPL cricket tourney. Winners were selected from among people who bought tickets on the morning show on Friday in a lucky dip in 50 theatres.
How was it working with Haripriya and Niveditha in Kiladi Kitty?
Both of them look so amazingly beautiful. People have never seen Haripriya in this avatar and she has performed well. I am sure her role in the film will surprise audiences.
'Ko Ko did not do as well as it was expected'
Why did your last release, Ko Ko, not reach the expected levels?
Ko Ko ran for 50 days. It had good content. But the film had to fight with two other releases for the same theatres.
Producers have not lost any money but the film did not do as well as it was expected.
We are now re-shooting some scenes of the movie in Telugu. I am being launched in Telugu. The film will have the same star cast with some Telugu artistes being added.
Which are your other forthcoming projects?
I am doing S Narayan's film Appayya that will release soon. There's another film titled Anarkali that will release later and I am currently working on Tony.