Actor Shivrajkumar. , Photo Credit: Ravichandran N

Shivarajkumar has displayed tremendous energy during the promotion of his upcoming film. Bhairathi RanagalThe veteran has admitted to undergoing treatment for his illness, but has declined to discuss it in detail at this time. However, by smiling constantly and giving frequent interviews, the actor has ensured that there is no panic among his fans.

The Kannada star has high hopes from the film, which is a prequel to the 2017 blockbuster Mufti, In which Shri Murali was in the lead role. Directed by Narthan and produced by actor’s wife Geeta Shivarajkumar’s banner Geeta Pictures, Bhairathi Ranagal’ Will be released on screens on November 15, 2024.

In this interview with The Hindu, He talks about reprising the role of Bhairathi Ranagal in the prequel, his upcoming projects and more.

Part:

‘Bhairathi Ranagal’ is going to be the first prequel of Kannada cinema. What excited you about this concept?

If a character becomes popular, he deserves an origin story. In plain dressWe learn more about Bhairathi Ranagal through a short flashback and song. in the prequel, We go deeper into the character and show Ranagal’s ambitious attitude. The color black is an important aspect of the film. Gangster Bhairathi Ranagal is seen in a black-on-black look. Before becoming a violent man, he was a lawyer who wore black. Color symbolizes the story. There are two shades to the character. He (the hero) did not become a don overnight. We’re shown a motive for his change, and he’s not just changed. Bhairathi Ranagal A much needed prequel.

The shooting of the prequel began in 2023 and is now ready for release. How important is it to finish big films in a short period of time? There is a story that big budget Kannada films are getting delayed…

As an artist, you need to build that discipline. It is not right to think that a film will do well only if it is made for three years. If a director tells me he needs three months to start a project, I will complete another film and come back to this one. Why should I waste my time? But the working style of some people is such that it takes them a lot of time to finish a film and we can’t do anything about it.

After ‘Bhairathi Ranagal’, how is your line-up looking?

i’m excited about it Bhairathi Ranagal And of Arjun Janya 45, It also stars Upendra and Raj B Shetty. It has such a universal concept. I will proceed on Hemant Rao’s project ((Bhairavna corner bridge)then there is Shivanna 131We haven’t kept a title, but it’s a different kind of film. I have a lead role in Ram Charan’s next film. I am yet to go to shoot that film. I also have some offers from the Tamil film industry.

Shivarajkumar in ‘Bhairathi Ranagal’. , Photo Credits: Anand Audio/Youtube

Your daughter Nivedita Shivarajkumar has become a producer with ‘Firefly’. what are your expectations?

I was surprised when she told me she wanted to produce a feature film. Plus, I was happy because he did his homework. She has not directly jumped into films. He produced television serials Mansa Sarovar and web series By mistake And Firstnight of marriageAfter watching the teaser of fire flyI was very happy. That guy (director Vamshi) has done a great job. Charan Raj’s music is also impressive. I could see his gaze in it. I feel Nivedita is like her grandmother (producer Parvatamma Rajkumar). She can do anything for the film but takes great care of the expenses of the film. She values ​​money and questions everything.

Also read:Shivarajkumar Interview: On his cameo in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailor’, and a chance to talk all through his eyes

After so many years in the film industry, are there days when you feel depressed and disinterested in work? How do you beat the blues?

Everyone goes through tough times and we have to face it. I can’t put my problems on someone else. I can’t say, ‘I’m not in the mood today’ and disrupt my director’s plans. Sometimes, when I’m unwell, I don’t tell my crew members. I just come and shoot. If my situation becomes apparent on camera, my director discharges me. I am always lively in front of the camera.