A class film inspired by a real incident

It's a day of reckoning for the team of today's

Kannada

release, Half Mentlu. After nearly a year's struggle by the team to find the right distribution channel, the film hits over 120 screens across the state, and, quite naturally, they are all excited. Directed by debutant Lakshmi Dinesh for Sai Ram Cine Talkies, the film stars

Sandeepa

and Sonu Gowda in the lead. Here, the filmmaker tells us just what makes

Half Mentlu

a must-watch...

1) The title may imply that this is a mass film, but it's not. Half Mentlu is a class film that can be enjoyed by multiplex, as well as single-screen, audiences.
2) The story is based on a real incident that took place in Ramanagara in 2010 and the characters played by Sonu and Sandeepa are inspired by real-life people. The content, a love story, has a very fresh feel to it.
3) Half Mentlu is a visually-appealing film. The entire film has been shot in a post-rain backdrop, so when audiences go to the theatre, they are bound to experience a cool, soothing feeling.
4) The music by Bharath BJ is a highlight and features three melodies, a tapanguchi number and one philosophical song. Jeeva haani aagomunna and Godemele ninna hesara will definitely stand out, as well as the song Pullu pullu pulinga, which has been rendered by three transgender artists. They will feature in the film as well. This is the first Kannada song to be sung by members of the community.
5) A dog plays an important character in the film, as the loyalty the animal has towards the hero is an element that is explored in Half Mentlu.