Monday Aug 04 2008, Bangalore

I am not for remakes: Shivarajkumar

Shivarajkumar had made news four to five years back as the first actor in the Kannada film industry to take a firm decision not to act in remake versions of other language films, and that too when remaking films from other languages was the trend.From then on he has stuck onto his decision to act only in straight films.And now the Government itself has announced a 100% tax-concession for remake films and the number of remakes will certainly show an even rising trend.What will be Shivarajkumar's stand now? Will he act in remake films in coming days?
Filmysouth.com finds it out with a chat with the Hat-trick hero.

Q.So, what do you feel about remake films, in today’s scenario?

A.Come what may come but I am not for remakes.But I do not oppose anyone who acts in or produces remakes.But I stick to the decision not to act in one.

There is no dearth of stories in Kannada.And moreover we should not worry when an original Kannada film fails.That's what I did with 'Chigurida Kanasu'.It was really a good film based on the novel of the same name by Jnanpeeth award winner Dr.Shivaram Karanth.That was a lovely attempt from our family.Winning and losing anyway is always there in cinema.

Q.Has anybody tried to cajole you into acting in remake films by making attractive offers?

A.That's impossible with me.No one can cajole me into doing what I had decided not to do and moreover no one can cheat me by picking scenes from other language films.I regularly see Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films.So, it’s impossible to convince me with doing a remake films or remixed subjects.

Q.After taking such a decision have you ever found a drop in offers coming your way?

A.Not at all.Before taking the decision I was very much busy.And after taking and implementing the decision too, I am very much busy.Right now I am sort of booked for more than three years.'Maadesha' will be releasing shortly.'Nanda' and 'Paramesha Panwala' are on the verge of getting finished.I have films like 'Devaru Kotta Thangi', 'Bhaagyada Balegaara', 'Chelveye Ninna Nodalu', 'Hodi Maga', 'AK 97', 'Punyavantha', 'September 11' among others.

Q.You are nearing the 100 film mark.Any plans for a biggie?

A.I am 90+ now, I mean as regards the number of my films.Though much has not been planned about 100th movie, one thing is certain that it will be from my home banner.Though nothing has been finalized right now, all I can say is that it will be a very unique movie which nobody has attempted in Kannada cinema till now.

Q.What happened to your plans of directing a film?

A.I am definitely interested in direction.But as for my directorial venture, it will be only direction and I won’t be acting in that film.

Q.Your previous film 'Bandhu-Balaga' was a major disaster at the box-office.What do you think was the reason for that?

A.I exactly don't known what could be the problem with the film or the reason for its failure.No specific reason can be attributed for the failure.Failure is a failure and we have to accept failures.The story that the writer Janardhana Maharshi told was different from what appeared on the scene.I have given my opinion to director Naganna and producer Soorappa Babu.
None of my sentiments failed that badly at the box-office.Even 'Gandana Mane' was quite okay.