Dwarakish: Cinema is like gambling, you win some and you lose some

It is a landmark year in the Dwarakish household. Sandalwood’s favourite ‘Kulla’ entered the industry as a comedian and completes his golden jubilee (50 years) in the industry as a filmmaker this year. In a conversation with us, he recalls some of his highs and lows and says that ambitious cinema with quality is what he will continue making. Excerpts...Did you think you’d last 50 years in the industry as a filmmaker? I never thought that I would ever turn filmmaker, leave alone last for 50 years. I came into Sandalwood as a comedian, but thanks to SP Varadappa, Rajkumar’s brother, I landed my first film as a producer. To have completed 50 years of filmmaking is God’s will. I must also thank the film audiences in Karnataka. When did you realise that you were in it for the long run?When I made Kulla Agent 000, I got the confidence. I realised that I didn’t need to wait for anyone and that I am capable of holding fort myself. Whatever weaknesses I had, I converted it into my strong points. I then had the confidence to make other films like Cowboy Kulla and Kalla Kulla. What are the projects that have thrilled you the most?Singaporenalli Raja Kulla is one of my most ambitious projects. I had seen MGR’s Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, which was shot in Singapore and Malaysia. I wondered why we weren’t making something like that in Kannada. I got my inspiration from there. When I made Africadalli Sheela in three languages, I took 90 people to South Africa and shot over there. It was a thrilling project — success or failure aside — looking back at the entire process of that film still excites me. It was an adventurous film.The other moment of joy for me was when I made Nee Bareda Kadambari, which was my first directorial. Which would you say are your landmark films?All those that did well at the box office are landmark films. And those that didn't were not (laughs). I have made every film with love and ambition. Those that have remained special include Kulla Agent 000, Mayor Muthanna, Bhagyavantaru, Kalla Kulla, Nyaya Ellide, Adutha Varisu, Naan Adimai Illai, Gangvaa, Nee Bareda Kadambari and Indina Ramayana, among many others. Successful films are my favourites. What is your success formula?Sincerity and ambition. One needs to have ambition, as it is the driving force for success. All my films were ambitious projects. I never made films only on the thought of making money. I made varied films of different genres. Some of them have become successful, while others flopped. I faced a lot of difficulties in my life and have seen the other other side too. It is all a part of the game. Cinema is like gambling, you win some and you lose some. Facing those challenges was my responsibility and I have done that. What would your advice to younger filmmakers be on accepting failure?Success is not absolute, neither is failure. Face failure, accept it and be sincere. Honesty will pay off some day - it might be delayed, but it will come to you. I waited for it and was rewarded. There is no absolute formula or equation for success in cinema. Your 50th year coincides with working with the Rajkumar family again… I am proud that I am celebrating this milestone with Ayushman Bhava with Shivarajkumar. It is after 45 years that I am making a film with someone from the Rajkumar family. We made Bhagyavantharu in 1974. It is amazing how it has all synced now. I began my filmmaking journey 50 years ago with the Rajkumar family and the 50th year is with Shivarajkumar. It is all Lord Raghavendra Swamy’s wish. I also got to work with P Vasu again with this film. In fact, I was supposed to introduce Vasu as a director in Tamil in 1984. But it didn’t work out. I am a great fan of his work. What next?We may make one more film with Shivarajkumar, as well as one with Vasu also. My son Yogish has joined me over the past 10 years. He is ambitious and passionate like me. He goes overboard with the budget at times, but that can be pardoned, as he knows what he is doing. What are the changes that you have seen in the film industry in these five decades? There is definitely growth. Back in the day, we were making 10 films a year, now we are making 250. It is an achievement. We need to make films with good stories. What has definitely changed is the cost of production. Today, we talk in crores when it comes to budgets — it is good, but comes with a lot of responsibility. What according to you needs improvement?In those days, we used to finish a film in 40 days. We used seven days for dubbing, and three days for re-recording. Today, making a film takes many months. If you include pre and post production, the entire process takes over a year now. Back then, I never took more than three months for a film. In fact, there was a year when I had five films, which included Kannada and Tamil. Since the money being invested today is a lot more, people are more relaxed in making films. So, I think we need a more systematic manner to make films. In those days, I used to announce the release date of my film and then begin working on it. There was an aim and a target date. Now, there is no such thing. No one knows when a film will release for sure. Dwarakish on his five favourite collaboratorsRajkumar: I am very fond of him as I became popular because I acted with him. I’ve acted in a lot of films with him and made my first production with him. Vishnuvardhan: He was everything to me. Much of the credit for my longevity in the industry goes to him. He was with me for most of my journey and I am grateful to him.Shankar Nag: He was one of the most sincere people I have ever known and we had great respect for each other.Ambareesh: When I was in trouble and had no money, I went to him with a role. He didn’t ask for remuneration and acted in a film for me — Jai Karnataka. Rajinikanth: If I have made a name in Tamil Nadu, the credit goes to him. He welcomed me in Madras by giving me his call sheet and doing three films with me.