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'Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi is total fun'
Upendra is upbeat about his film Super winning the coveted state award for the best film. He is equally so about his forthcoming release, Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi (KVSS), which is described as a 'mythological-based social fantasy 3D film'. Ramya, Ambarish, Doddanna and Sridhar are in the cast. The film will release tomorrow.
The film has been mired in controversy with another producer K Manju wanting to release his film Godfather ahead of KVSS, which stars Upendra in the lead. With Manju and producer of KVSS, Munirathna Naidu, calling a truce, Godfather may release in the month of June.
In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Upendra who plays a double role in KVSS, talks about the film, it's making and his experience working in a 3D film.
What is KVSS all about?
Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi is a mixture of fiction, social, science and a fun film based on mythology. It is a social fantasy film with a totally imaginative story.
Producer Munirathna wanted to make a movie on a grand scale to disprove the belief that Kannada films have poor production values.
He wanted to show off colourful costumes and huge sets and so an interesting story was woven around this.
'Ramya has choreographed a major portion of a song'
What is your role in the film?
I play a commoner in the film. I visit Indra Loka and Yama Loka (heaven and hell) in search of my father.
I am madly in love with Ramya's character in the movie, who recognises the fact that I am a mortal and that she cannot love me.
Ramya plays a devakanya and Lord Indra's daughter who does finally fall in love with my character in the movie.
The dialogues are all in theatrical Kannada unlike how we talk in our day-to-day lives. As for my looks, I didn't have to wear heavy costumes, unlike other artistes in the movie, except for a particular sequence.
How did you get started on this film?
The film is based on producer Munirathna Naidu's story. We discussed this idea that he brought to us with Telugu writer Janardhan Maharishi and director Suresh Krissna.
The director was very meticulous in his planning and scheduling so we didn't waste time in completing the film. I also gave a few inputs at the scripting stage and I have penned the dialogues for the film besides a song.
'The film has a message towards the end'
What does the film convey to the audience?
The film gives the audience a view of a different world altogether and definitely a different feeling. It is total fun.
The film has a message towards the end. We cannot reveal everything now as so much is already known.
What instructions did you get from the cameraman and director since the film was shot in 3D format?
The 3D format is totally visual based. The 3D format required special visualisation techniques. The cameraman had to align his camera in a different fashion so that the audience gets the 3D effect.
Is this film a sequel to Rakthakanneeru?
No. This is not a sequel and has nothing to do with Raktakanneeru. Munirathna, who has produced this film, wanted to repeat Mohana's character in this film. It is just a passing character.
'The 3D format required special visualisation techniques'
How was your experience working with Ramya and senior actors such as Ambarish and Doddanna?
It was really fantastic. It was nice working with Ramya. We have worked on our on-screen chemistry.
Ramya has choreographed a major portion of a song that was shot in Manali. You should see it to know how she has choreographed it. There are five songs. Ramya has a solo introduction number.
Are there any surprises in the movie?
I cannot talk about the surprises. There is one surprise element that we have not revealed so far.
Audiences will get to see legends like Rajkumar and lyricist Udayashankar in graphically created roles when the hero goes to heaven.
The famous Kannada song Muthintha Mathondu Gottenamma from the film Bahadoor Gandu sung by Rajkumar has been rewritten, remixed and picturised on Ramya and myself.
Ambarish as Lord Yama and Doddanna as Yama's trusted lieutenant Chitragupta will be a treat to watch. There's an election scene in Yama Loka as well.
We have Rambha, Urvashi and Menaka played by Suman Ranganath, Rishika Singh and Ramnitu Chaudhari dancing in a competition with girls brought from earth. A dance competition challenge is thrown at the traditional girls from Indra Loka.