Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana in Bangalore
A drunkard, an aspiring inventor, a fitness freak, an ideal wife, a dancer and kleptomaniac -- all under one roof.
It's not without reason then that the Kannada film is called Crazy Kutumba (family).
That's how Ramesh Arvind aka Shankar Patil introduces his on-screen family to rediff.com's Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana. He also tells her how they were mistaken to be flood victims during a shooting schedule.
What does Crazy Kutumba have in store for us?
The film is knitted around a dysfunctional family that embarks on a journey from Belgaum to Bangalore to take part in a reality show.
They do so to fulfill the daughter's dream of participating in a reality show. The entire family travels to Bangalore in an auto.
The film is all about fulfilling dreams and family bonding with lots of fights, laughter, singing and dancing.
Crazy Kutumba is also a road movie inspired by the Marathi flick De Dhaka, but has a Kannada feel to it. For instance, poems of greats such as Kuvempu, K S Narasimhaswamy, H S Venkateshmurthy and Jayanth Kaikini have been used.
What role do you play?
I play Shankar Patil, who considers himself to be a rural genius; an inventor. I had great fun doing this part. Speaking Kannada with the North Karnataka accent was a different experience in itself. In my previous film, I had spoken Mandya style Kannada and in one of my upcoming projects I'm planning on using Mangalore style Kannada.
'We were mistaken for poverty-struck flood victims'
It was reported that you and your family were mistaken for flood victims. When did that happen?
We were shooting for this scene where we enter Bangalore in a tum tum (auto). There was a whole lot of luggage stacked inside the auto. The shoot was held when relief work was going on to support flood victims of North Karnataka. A van carrying relief material passed us. Judging from our attire, speech and overloaded auto, the volunteers assumed that we were poverty-struck flood victims. They offered to help us but after spotting me they realised that we were just shooting!
How did it feel to share screen space with Ananth Nag?
He plays my father in the film and our combination has not been this significant before. We gelled really well. We are similar in many ways, except that I'm not interested in politics.
When it comes to films, we don't believe in typical commercial stuff. Also we like decent humour. Crudity is a big 'no' for us.
'Reality shows are more appealing than serials'
You mentioned earlier that the family travels to the city to participate in a reality show. What is your take on such shows?
We can't escape from reality shows. They are everywhere and that is also one reason for us to do this film. These shows are more appealing than serials, but in the name of reality, a lot of things are made up. At times drama instead of talent becomes the priority.
Are you open to hosting reality shows?
Sure, but it would have to be something smart and dignified like KBC. I'm also for shows that will motivate people and show their positive side. TV is an experience I have enjoyed. My show Preetinda Ramesh brought me closer to many actors, across generations. I would love to do TV but it's just that I have little time as of now.
Which are your upcoming film projects?
There is Hey Sarasu, Krishna nee lateag baaro and Preetinda Ramesh, that is very urban in the sense that there is email, social networking site and a lot of hi-funda stuff. There is also Hendtira Durbar and guest appearances in Naanu nanna Kanasu and Cheluveye ninna nodalu. I'm also writing a script and am half way through it. It's very racy and based on intriguing bizarre things.
'I've also worked as project head for films with corporate style backing'
Most of your recent films have been produced by corporates. Is that a conscious decision?
People with corporate background are more systematic in their approach. There is more transparency and they don't like surprises even in the budget. I've also worked as project head for films with corporate style backing and we have released each of these within 120 days from the shooting time. They just need to know the ground realities. It's like the best of both worlds coming together. I like this style of work.
Crazy Kutumba talks of fulfilling dreams. Would you say all your dreams have come true?
I've got more than what I deserved in the form of the love from the people over the years. My latest experience in Belgaum has also been overwhelming. People there were so encouraging. We are in fact planning a special show in that region.
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