Looking at Shivrajkumar's 99th film

Kannada actor Shivarajkumar has his hands full this year. There is Tamasu, Jogaiah and Mylari along with Cheluveye Ninna Nodalu, which are readying for release.

While the shooting of Tamasu is underway and Jogaiah will go on floors soon, the mahurat of his 99th film, Mylari was held at a city temple recently.

Chandru, who directed the super hit film Taj Mahal, will be wielding the mike in Mylari.

The film that stresses on sentimental values will see Shivanna adding different shades to his character. Revealing only one of them, he says, "I play a college student in the film. To fit the bill I have lost weight. I was previously 71 kgs and now am 66."

According to Chandru, six phases of the hero's life will be shown in the movie.

Mylari captures the clash between the ambitions of parents and the passions of children. It also speaks of how the path we choose to tread greatly depends on family, friends and societal values.

"The narration technique we are planning to use in the film is superb. Even though flashback is used, it will come across as straight narration to people. Chandru had come to give me a single line narration, but I was so impressed with the storyline that I asked for the entire reading. I didn't get up even once during the narration; it was that gripping. Screenplay is the real hero in the film. I would say this is a classy commercial film," says Shivanna.

In fact the actor was so impressed with the script and dialogues that he himself took the initiative to find a producer for Chandru.

Kanakpura Srinivas who produced four films of Shivanna including Santa and Yuvaraja, will be financing this film.

The team succeeded in generating curiosity about the film by naming it Mylari.

Mylari was the name of a ram that featured in Bangarada Panjara, a film that had legendary actor and Shivanna's father, Rajkumar in the lead.

Will a ram be pivotal to this plot as well?

"Yes we are using a ram in our film too. It will be called Beera. We have even planned on a ram fight sequence which will be included in the climax," says Chandru.

The title not only created a buzz among fans but also in the industry too as Ashwini Ramprasad, a producer, had already registered this title in his name.

"There is no controversy involved here. We will discuss the matter with Ramprasad and settle things in our favour," says a confident Shivanna.

Actress Sada is returning to Kannada screens with this film. 

"This is a pure love story and more than the superstar acting in the film and the banner, it is the story and my character that attracted me," says Sada.

Shivanna says that Sada is an apt choice for the film. "She suits both modern and homely kind of roles. She has very expressive eyes too. I liked her best in Jayam and am now looking forward to working with her."

Political bigwig Siddaramaiah came by to wish the team luck. Members of Rajkumar Fans Association, Tumkur, were also present at the launch. They chose this occasion to unveil a silver bust of Rajkumar. The bust will be placed in Tumkur.

Shooting for this 99th film of Shivanna will be held across 60 days in Bangalore, Saudathi, Srirangapatna and Belgaum.