Sadhu Kokila directs, acts, and composes in the Kannada film

Sadhu Kokila is one of the well-known faces of the Kannada film industry who has tried his hand at acting, direction and music direction.

Sadhu started his career as a music arranger for many top music directors before turning music director in films like H20, Inthi Ninna Preethiya and Suntaragaali. Today he is a much respected actor and director too.

Some of the films he has directed include biggies like Raktha Kanneeru, Rakshasa, Suntaragaali, Theertha. He has also worked with big stars like Upendra, Shivaraj Kumar, Darshan and Sudeep.

Sadhu Kokila's new release Devaru which hits theatres this Friday, sees him as a director, actor and music composer again.

Here's what the film is all about.

There has been a long gap since you directed your last film. Did you find acting more remunerative than directing?

This long gap is because my previous film Theertha with Sudeep took considerable time to release. The producers faced some problems and delayed the release. The post production work and shooting took almost a year. I was supposed to direct Veera Madakari with Sudeep but later there were some problems with the producer and I had to back out of the project. Even in the case of Devaru, I had finished the film long ago, but Rockline wanted to release his Manasaare first.

I am balancing my career with acting, directing and music direction. I love music direction but direction is the most creative job. I enjoy directing films because I get a lot of freedom and creative liberty then.

As an actor, my role is limited to what the directors perceive. I agree that acting gives me more money, but directing gives me more satisfaction. But music has always remained my love and passion.

Devaru is a remake. How is that many of your directed ventures are remakes?

Rakshasa and Suntaragaali were original scripts. I have several well written scripts, but what can I do if the producer and hero insist that it would be better for me to accept a film which is based on a successful non-Kannada film? I cannot say, no to such offers.

You should also see that most of my remakes are only inspired version of the original ones. I have made several changes in my remakes. I have always ensured that fresh songs are composed for the film and I present the film quite differently on screen. The essence may be the same, but my remakes are always presented differently.

Even in case of Devaru, I have tried to present the film differently. The film is a remake of Sundar C's Tamil film Thalainagaram. I can assure you that the audience will see lot of changes in the presentation of the film. The film's hero Vijay had to build his body for a perfect physique for the film. He has shaved his head for the climax too.

Vijay plays a criminal who wants to reform and lead a good life. His performance will get a lot of applause. His dialogue delivery would also be the highlight of the film.

You have also composed the songs for the film. It is a long time since you composed the music for your own films.

I have composed the music for all my films. I have done the background music for many other films even if the song composition has been done by other music directors. Theertha was the only exception.

The producers of this film wanted the music of the film to be done by Guru Kiran since they have a long association with him. I had to relent. But somehow, I was not impressed with the music of Thalainagaram and wanted to compose good melodious original tracks for my film. I am extremely happy with the response.

Yogaraj Bhat, Jayanth Kaikini and Thushar Ranganath who have assisted me in Suntaragaali and Anaatharu have written the songs. Both the versions of  Doora Swalpa Doora written by Yogaraj and rendered by Shreya Ghoshal and Karthick has become a big hit. Hallo Hallo written by Jayanth Kaikini is also getting appreciation.

I am also composing music for my next directorial venture with Darshan.

You have directed many films with stars like Upendra, Shivaraj Kumar, Darshan and Sudeep. This is the first time that you are directing a film with Vijay. How was the experience of working with him?

Vijay had worked with me in many of my earlier films. His dedication to acting is known to me as I had given him a good role in Rakshasa. Vijay suits this role perfectly. He takes lot of interest in presenting himself differently in every film. He agreed to to shave his head though it would mean that he would be off work for months altogether. His commitment to this project was excellent. I would like to work with him again.

You have also done an important role in the film.

Comedy is the highlight of Devaru. I really enjoyed doing my role. When I saw the original Tamil film, I was very much impressed with the comedy sequences. I thought Vadivelu's role suited me and it was Rockline who told me that I had to act in that role besides directing it. Even if Devaru was to be directed by any other director, he would not have chosen any other actor for this role!