When you are out to director a newcomer, you need to ensure that you have a story and a platform that will make a fabulous launch for a debutant, says Kannada film director R Chandru. Politician Revanna is said to have handpicked Chandru to direct his son Anoop in this debut. 'I had not worked with a newcomer before, but I met Anoop before I decided to take up the project.
Apart from the fact that he has the talent to make it big, it was also an opportunity for me to do my bit and present the film industry with a new star,' says the director.
The film, which also stars Meghana Raj and V Ravichandaran, is said to have quite a few theatre owners lining up to release it later this week. 'That is great because such a thing is unheard of for a new actor. So, I guess that I would credit the change to fans of the other lead actors, as well as my own set of audience that is keen to see what we have done with a brand-new actor. There is also the fact that Anoop comes from a political background, but you will see, just as I have, that his background has nothing to do with Anoop's talent. Because here is a young boy who has given the film his 100%, be it in acting, dancing or fighting ' the various other aspects of what makes a complete onscreen hero,' explains Chandru. Touted to be a remake of the Telugu film Athanokkade, Lakshmana, as the director points out, 'is a family revenge story. It has all the elements of a commercial cinema.'
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A personal highpoint for Chandru is the fact that he got to direct his idol Ravichandaran. 'Years ago, all I wanted was to be able to take a picture with Ravichandaran. I have watched all his films and have stood in a queue early enough to get a ticket to watch them on the first day. And to be able to not just take a picture, but also direct him was more than I could have ever asked for. He is an extremely patient and friendly person.'