Director Srinivas Raju’s next, Brunda Vihari, will show Ganesh in new light

Kannada star Ganesh’s next, directed by Srinivas Raju, is titled Brunda Vihari and will be launched on March 19. Also starring Devika Bhatt and Malvika Sharma, the film is mounted as a romantic family entertainer with a pan-Indian sensibility. Backed by Samruddhi V Manjunath under Virat Sai Creations LLP, the project also marks composer Hisham Abdul Wahab’s Kannada debut.‘The title is rooted in familiarity’For Srinivas, the title was as crucial as the story itself. “Ganesh has a family audience — from school kids to seniors. For all of them to connect, Brunda Vihari is a title where they feel close to it,” he says. Explaining its meaning, he adds, “Brunda Vihari means a person who roams in Vrindavana. That goes with the subject. It gives a very positive kind of feel, especially when everywhere there is negativity, bloodshed and wars. I wanted to come with a very positive title.”‘This is a love story that will stay with you’While the film falls within the romantic genre, Srinivas is clear that Brunda Vihari is not a repeat of familiar templates. “There is no resemblance to Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi in terms of story or narration. The only common thing is that it’s a love story,” he says. What sets it apart, he explains, is the emotional pull. “The narration part is altogether different. It’s a love story presented in a way where you don’t leave it — the emotions and the chemistry are really heart-touching.”‘A story beyond regions’The makers are mounting the film as a Kannada-Hindi bilingual, banking on its universal appeal. “The love story has a universal kind of appeal. It’s not meant for a region. Audience from Bihar, Kerala — anybody can connect,” says the director. Music plays a central role, with seven tracks composed by Hisham Abdul Wahab. “This is his first Kannada film,” he adds, calling the soundtrack one of the film’s highlights. ‘Music is one of the film’s biggest strength’Srinivas is confident about presenting Ganesh in a new light. “In his entire career, this will stand on the top in every manner,” he says. With the film already wrapped, the team is planning a music-first promotional strategy. “We have seven songs in the film which will be released first and then release the film anytime in June,” he reveals.