| Sudeep became one of the popular actors in Kannada film industry. He acted in one of the critically acclaimed tragedy film "huccha" which proved his acting capabilities. He also acted in Kannada version of the tamil movie Autograph and Telugu movie "Swathi Muthyam". |  |
Excerpts from the interview:
How is working with RGV?
I am having a 'gala time' working with a director like Ram Gopal Varma. 'There is absolutely no tension on the sets. And the working atmosphere is fine. There is a lot of discipline in the way things move there. 'Perhaps the environment may be different in other Hindi films, but as far as Varma's films are concerned it will be a professional set up. I accepted this film without batting an eyelid because of him. All the other things do not matter to me'
How did this film happen? Did you approached Ram Gopal Varma earlier?
I had met Varma earlier but did not imagine that I would be a part of his film. I was to do a Telugu and Kannada bilingual film earlier, which was supposed to be directed by his protege and actor-director, J D Chakravarthy. That, however did not take off. Then one day I received the bound script of Phoonk from Varma. I read the whole script and was impressed. But I had a few Kannada film commitments then and told him that I would be busy till March 15. He understood my position and said that he would wait.
What is all about Phoonk? How RGV selected you for the main lead?
Well, after I finished my Kannada film Theertha, I went and did a photo shoot for Varmaji's film. I could not tell even my friends in the industry about this project because I too, was not aware of the shooting schedules.
I have already shot twenty days for Phoonk with twenty days of shooting remaining. It's in the thriller-horror genre for which Varma is famous for.
I still don't know why Varma chose me as the lead for Phoonk.
What about the other cast and crew and story line of the film?
As I had said earlier, the film is in the thriller-horror genre which is produced by One More Thought Entertainment.
Amar Mohli, who had worked as the music director of Sarkar and Sarkaar Raj is the composer for Phoonk while the camera work is being handled by Savitha. Marathi stage actress Amrutha is the heroine. I cannot tell you more.
What about your Kannada film commitments?
I am loved by the people here. My roots and my family are in Bangalore. I have accepted this Hindi film only because of my respect for Varma. It is like any professional going on a holiday or taking a break. Going to Mumbai to work in a film has been like a holiday for me. My only regret is that I am not with my family members during this 'holiday'! I hope they will join me soon in Mumbai.
As for Kannada films, I have to make my stand very clear. I have made a name for myself here with a decent fan base. Why should I leave this industry and try my luck elsewhere?
You played sensitive roles earlier but your recent film Gooli, which is an action and gangster film and already proved as a hit. Are you planning to act in such type of movies further?
Gooli is the creation of director P Sathya. I just followed what he told me. He told me that if the film is a failure, then he would direct a film according my tastes. There were many dialogues in the film which I had not uttered before and I am told that the audience loved them. I have put a lot effort and hard work into the film.
I am not going to say that I will work only in films like Gooli because my decision to act in films has always been dictated by the strength of the script. My judgement may fail sometimes, but I have always valued the script.
You are doing the film Mussanje Maathu with Ramya after a long gap from Ranga S.S.L.C. How do you feel?
I think we have to show maturity. Both of us had unpleasant experiences in the past but I think these things should not remain with us permanently. Yes, I was little upset with Ramya during the shooting of Ranga S.S.L.C. Anyway, when the story of Mussanje Maathu was briefed by Mahesh, I told him to contact Ramya for the role. The heroine's character is equally strong and important in Mussanje Maathu.
Then I asked Ramya to hear the script. She was equally impressed with the role and spoke to me for half an hour. She said she was dying to do such a role.
Tell us about your future projects Kaamannana Makkalu and Theertha?
Kaamannana Makkalu is the remake of the Malayalam film Thommanum Makkalum, which starred Mammootty. The remake, which will be directed by Guru Datt, is a comedy with a little bit of action.
Theertha, on the other had is a performance-oriented film by Sadhu Kokila. I am very happy that I have many emotional sequences with Anant Nag in this film. I am looking forward to it.
What do you feel about the image trapping or high expectations from an actor?
"Is it wrong to do films that have great potential at the box office? I am never contradicting myself doing a film like Hubballi even after making a film like My Autograph. You should know that I have a family to support. I cannot always work to get some critical satisfaction and talk of passion even when some of my fans are clamouring to see me in action films. I don't regret doing films like Tirupati' and Hubballi' which may strengthen my career"
