‘Responsibility of directing SHIVARAJKUMAR’s first home production was huge’

S Shyam Prasad

Milestones films create their own hype. The 125th film of Shiva Rajkumar, Vedha, is extra special as the actor is producing it under his home banner ‘Geetha Pictures’.

While the film has taken on a life of its own, director A Harsha, chosen to helm the landmark project, is still jittery.

Vedha is the tenth film as director for the ace choreographer and the fourth with Shiva Rajkumar. He speaks how he managed to balance the multitude of expectations around this upcoming film.

Q. Your association with Shivarajkumar continues with the fourth film in less than 10 years. How easy or difficult is it to keep such a combination running successfully?

A. To be frank I am very lucky to be able to direct a big star for the fourth time in a decade. I am a fan of Shivanna. Everyone knows what a wonderful human being and actor he is. I have a close personal bond with him. Every time I write a story, I feel that it suits Shivanna. Even he keeps asking me ‘what next?’. Moreover, all the three previous films were successful commercially. So there were always producers willing to back our combination. Soon after we launched Vedha, Zee Studios collaborated with us. They had firsthand experience of Bhajarangi 2’s success on their OTT and TV platforms. Just like I love and admire Shivanna, he is fond of me. I feel blessed and lucky that he chose me to direct the first film he is producing under his banner. It is the faith Shivanna and Geetha madam have on me that has kept this combination going.

Q. Why have you given up your ‘Hanuman’ series of titles for this film?

A. Truth be told, I chose the titles of only Bhajaragi and Vajrakaya. The other titles were suggested or opted by others, including the producers. Bhajarangi 2 was a title chosen by Shivanna for example. It was not a deliberate plan I charted out. I had no intention of deliberately going along with the ‘Hanuman’ series or not wanting to come out of it. From Bhajarangi to Bhajarangi 2 all the titles were in the ‘Hanuman’ series. It just so happened. I chose the title ‘Vedha’ because it suited the script. Ramesh Yadav had the title and I am thankful he was so kind to transfer the title to us for this film.

Q. How are you coping with the added responsibility of this being a landmark (125th) film for Shivarajkumar and also under his home banner?

A. Shivanna is a legend in the film industry. So a landmark film has huge expectations behind it. Moreover it was his first home production. Just the fact that he contemplated me as the director of this project is something to be very proud of. It is also a very responsible job. With Zee Studios joining hands, it was a profitable venture for Geetha Pictures. Both Shivanna and Geetha madam are very happy. Zee said the 125th film of Shivanna was apt. As for me, I had to keep in mind what the fans expected from this film. I will not deny the fact that my responsibility on this film was bigger than any of my other films before this.

Q. Everybody seems to be after the ‘pan-India’ idea. Why not Vedha?

A. After Zee became part of the venture, they suggested taking the film to Tamil and Telugu markets. So we are doing it. Today, every filmmaker is looking at the wider market and even the audiences are positively inclined with films from other industries. Depending on the response, we will take a call on dubbing the film in Malayalam and Hindi. We are definitely open to the pan-India market.

Q. What’s the core concept of Vedha?

A. This is a film with a social message. This is something that happens every day. I placed it in the 60s and 70s. You can see a small prediction of the things to come in this era. It is not a fantasy film; it is not a film on the underworld. This film is about what is happening in society. This is all I can reveal about the concept now.

Q. After 125 films how difficult is it to present Shivanna differently?

A. It is always a challenge. He has done so many films and so many varied characters and roles. But it is also a delight. He is a blank canvas and suits any character you drape him in. You can experiment with him, change his getups and he never says no to anything. From beards, to hairstyle and costumes he gives complete freedom to the director. He looks good in any getup you give him. He is a director’s delight.

Q. Despite multiple 100-crore films in Sandalwood this year, audience don’t seem to be supporting nonstarcast films. Do you notice any change in audience preference for coming to theatres?

A. This is not a new trend. Non-star films take time to reach the audience. That has been the case for ever