Only good PR skills will get you a break in films

From time immemorial, romantic dramas have been the mainstay of Indian cinema, and it’s been no different in Sandalwood. But in his upcoming film Dilwaala, director Anil Kumar attempts to present a love story, which he says will showcase how real-life couples behave. “Dilwaala is a love story that today’s young couples will connect with. It is youthful, colourful and, most importantly, a stylish attempt for Kannada audiences,” says Anil.
While the story line is simple, it is the screenplay that the director says will pack a punch. “There have been several love stories before, but the manner in which I have treated the script will make the difference. I have touched upon minute details, even the most basic feelings that couples go through, which will be the highlight of the film,” he explains. Dilwaala, which has Sumanth Shailendra and Radhika Pandit in the lead, is Anil’s second film as director, after he made his directorial debut with Malashree’s Shakti. Yet Anil prefers to call Dilwaala his debut project. “I worked as dialogue writer for Ramu’s (Malashree’s producer husband) Dubai. At the time, they were discussing the script of Shakthi and were looking for a director. Since Ramu liked my style of dialogues, he asked me to direct it. I just reworked the script a bit and agreed to direct the film. With Dilwaala, though, I can take credit for the script as well. This is my kind of film,” he says.
Even though he is enjoying his status as director now, Anil says that the journey was far from easy. “Getting into films was always my dream. However, my parents suggested that I complete my education before I take the plunge into films. After completing my BCA, I joined theatre groups and tried my hand at direction and acting. I am a state-level dance champion as well. But I struggled to get my due in cinema and turned film journalist and ran my own news website. At one press meet, I met director Victory Vasu. I joined him as an assistant director, and started writing dialogues. Some of the films for which I penned dialogues haven’t seen the light of day. Those were hard times, and left me disappointed. But my family, especially my mother and my wife, supported me and now, all I want is to prove myself for their sake,” he says.
While Anil also credits his experience of working with Sudeep on Kempegowda as a stepping stone, he believes that hard work alone will not pay off. “Hard work doesn’t pay; you need PR skills to get a break in the industry. We do have talent, but most of them don’t know how to get through to people. In fact, my stint as a journalist helped me get my break,” he says.