It is Shishira v/s Raam this Christmas

First-time director Manju Swaraj is making waves these days, thanks to his Kannada film Shishira. The film, which releases on December 25, carries a lot of positive buzz.

Christmas will see another big Kannada release, Raam, starring Puneet Raj Kumar.

But Shishira producers Mahadev and B T Manju appear confident and say that good films are always nurtured. They claim that their film is made on a new concept.

"We had announced the release date two weeks ago, when Raam was not in the picture," Manju says. "We cannot postpone the film's release now. We have left everything to God and to the audience, who want to see good films. Besides, why can't two films release on the same day and win the box office battle?"

Manju, who had worked as an associate director to Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar earlier, continues, "Shishira has a fresh and innovative subject. But I have not made an experimental film. It is a commercial film with a lot of good songs and family elements. Many people, who have seen the film, are not able to describe it. Some say it's a psychological thriller and others say it is a suspense film. The beauty of the film is that it will appeal to you. But you cannot slot the film in any particular genre. The producers have shown rare courage in accepting such a script. The concept and presentation will be totally new for Kannada film fans."

Manju says that though the film's story debates on the existence of God and spirits, it is not preachy.

"Viewers can easily relate to the sequences of the film, which look natural. I have not forcibly included the commercial elements, but they are connected to the story," says Manju.

Shishira stars newcomers Yashas and Meghana with veteran actress Prema doing a special role. Prema, who was one of the leading actresses earlier, returns to the Kannada film industry after a hiatus of three years. She had almost quit acting after her marriage but Manju brought her back to act in a role which 'only she could have performed.'

Prema was impressed with Manju's story and decided to make the film her comeback vehicle.

"I had acted in many suspense thriller films, including Sunil Kumar Desai's Marma. But this film is special to me," Prema says. "Manju has taken efforts to make a good, technically superior film. The way he composed his shots were very good. I had to shoot till 2 am but I did not protest. I'm happy to be a part of this film. My husband was also happy that I was making a comeback through such a film."

Yashas made his debut in Yuga Yugagale Saagali but the young actor says that his second film taught him so much that he can never forget the experience of working in it.

"I just followed the dictates of director Manju Swaraj sir. All the compliments that I am getting from senior artistes is because of him," says Yashas.

"My role has lot of shades," Yashas adds. "It is difficult for any actor to get such a complex role in his second film. I have put in a lot of effort to portray this role."

Meghana, who was introduced by actor Ramesh Arvind in Venkata In Sankata, is the heroine of this film. She had also acted in the English film Bengaloored, shot in the city. "This role is quite different from what I did in Venkata In Sankata. Manju Swaraj had briefed me before I accepted the film and took care to give a new orientation to my character in the film," says Meghana.

Ajaneesh Lokanath makes his debut as the music director of the film while Suresh Babu is the cameraman.