Kere Bete Gowrishankar’s prised catch

S. Shyam Prasad | NT

Bengaluru: Five years have passed since Gowrishankar took on the role of lead actor in Rajahamsa, a film that garnered him recognition and launched the careers of several newcomers, including the leading lady Ranjini and the director Jadesh Kumar Hampi, who have since gone on to work on numerous projects.

Now, the gymnast-turned-actor returns with his second film as a lead actor, titled 'Kere Bete,' which translates to 'Lake Hunt' and is a reference to the annual game fishing event held in village lakes.

In a conversation with S Shyam Prasad, he delves into the significance of this film and his life beyond the realm of cinema.

Q. Can you elaborate on the substantial gap between your films?

A. After 'Rajahamsa,' I had two film offers, but I hesitated. My debut in 'Rajahamsa' brought me fame and recognition, and I didn't want to squander that on forgettable projects.

I returned the advances for these offers as they didn't align with my aspirations. Additionally, two years were consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the following year was dedicated to my business, which revolves around elections.

Now, I'm back with 'Kere Bete.'

Q. What were the key takeaways from your experience with 'Rajahamsa'?

A. 'Rajahamsa' fulfilled my dream of becoming a lead actor.

The film has been broadcast on the Colors network a remarkable 192 times, earning me recognition among audiences. It served as a launchpad for many talents who have since risen to prominence in the industry.

While I did incur some financial losses, I consider it the price I paid for valuable experience.

Q. 'Kere Bete' appears to be a film rooted in village life. Could you provide more insight into its story and concept?

A. 'Kere Bete' is a project that Rajguru B, who has previously assisted and collaborated with several directors, shared with me a few years ago. This story is deeply entrenched in the unique culture of the Malnad region.

Soraba taluk boasts the highest concentration of lakes in Asia, profoundly influencing the local lifestyle. While game fishing is at the heart of the film, it is just one aspect of the broader narrative.

'Kere Bete' is primarily a commercial entertainer with the titular concept as its central focus.

Q. What sets 'Kere Bete' apart and makes it special?

A. 'Kere Bete' is a tradition not widely known, even though it holds immense significance for the people of Malnad and numerous villages. It encompasses elements of competition, festival, carnival, and hunting, all woven into a single annual event.

This rich tradition has not been explored in cinema before, making our film a visual delight for both those familiar and unfamiliar with it. We've also immersed the film in the language, culture, and backdrop of the Malnad region to authentically capture its essence.

Q. Could you introduce the key members of the cast and crew?

A. Rajguru is the story's creator and director, with me contributing to the screenplay and dialogue. Gagan Baderiya is the music composer, expected to make a significant impact.

Pramod Maravanthe and Ghouse Peer have penned the lyrics, while Different Danny and Tiger Shivu have choreographed the stunts. Keerthan Poojary serves as our cinematographer.

We've wrapped up a significant portion of the shooting, with just a few major scenes and songs remaining. Details about the cast will be revealed soon.

Q. What's the timeline for completing and releasing the film?

A. We're currently working on post-production tasks concurrently with the remaining shooting. We anticipate completing the shooting and most of the technical work by the end of this year.

Our target is to release the film in the first quarter of 2024.