In an industry dominated by star sons and influential god fathers, Kannada actor-director Adarsh is an exception.

He entered the film industry after a successful stint on television and after working as a supporting actor, he became a hero in a few films. After struggling to make it big as a hero, he started directing films like Dumbee and Nage Habba.

Now, the actor returns with a new film Hushaar -- a thriller for producer Parameshwara Hegde.

Adarsh spoke to R G Vijayasarathy about his new film and many more.

You directed two comedies earlier. Hushaar is a thriller. Did you change the track because your first two films were not very successful?

I disagree. My films did not have a long run like the films made with a big star cast but they did get their investments back. Both these films were made on a limited budget. I can say that both the projects were not losing propositions because I was also partially involved in the production of these films. Another big reason for the films' limited run was that we did not concentrate on the publicity of the film.

More than anything else, I was very happy that both these films were critically appreciated. I am still getting lot of appreciation from many fans who have seen the films on television and DVDs. They say that both were decent  and enjoyable comedies.

I decided to direct a thriller this time only because the film's producer Amaranatha Hegde wanted one. I also wanted to show that as a director, I am capable of handling different types of subjects. 

What are the high points of Hushaar?

Hushaar is made on a wide canvas. Though we have Mallika Kapoor for glamour, the film is about a murder investigation undertaken by the hero. Most of the film has been shot outdoors. We shot in a forest. It has a lot of horror and thriller elements and will keep you on the edge of your seats.

You have also done the music direction...

Yes. Since I wrote and directed my television shows, I started writing the story, dialogues of my films too. I decided to compose the music when I started making films. Hamsalekha sir composed music for my first film Dumbee. My music composition in Nage Habba was appreciated. I had also written lyrics for the film. I am sure that the audio of Hushaar will become a big hit. Already I am getting positive response from the audience about the music. I have got positive feed back after I uploaded the songs and trailer on  many  websites.

I have also choreographed a couple of songs!

Don't you think that taking up too many responsibilities on your shoulders will affect the quality of the film?

On the contrary, the involvement of a director in other segments will certainly add more quality to the film. I am doing all the work for a film mainly because I am totally involved in the project. If some people criticise me for taking on too many responsibilities, I can't help it. I am not a big actor or a director to be backed by huge investments. I have to do good and decent films within a certain amount.

I am a post graduate from the Mysore University in filmmaking. I have also worked as an assistant to many top directors like S V Rajendra Singh Babu. Film is life for me. I had to accept acting assignments only because I was not getting enough work as a director. Thankfully, I had good innings as an actor. Even when I was just an actor, I used to talk to directors and join in the discussion. Direction is the most exciting part of the film making process.

As an actor you were very successful in films like Tavarige Baa Thangi and Onkaara. Why aren't you taking up any acting assignments these days?

Tavarige Baa Thangi is the biggest hit of my career. It got me some very good offers. I was able to act with Upendra in Onkaara. Upendra is my inspiration and I decided to become a director only after watching his films. What happened was  that I was only getting stereotypic roles which bore me. Even the remuneration was not very attractive to take up acting in big films. That is why I decided to direct my own films.