Prakash Raj is a class apart. Versatile and multifaceted, he earns money as an actor from cliché commercial cinema and invests it in producing meaningful movies. The latest to roll out from his now famous Duet Movies banner is Dhoni awaiting release this February. Emboldened by the success of his debut directorial venture, Nanu Nanna Kanasu (Kannada – remake of Akasamantha) Prakash Raj donned the filmmaker's mantle for this Telugu-Tamil bilingual.
The theme is based on the contemporary middle class man and his dreams about his children's future. The protagonist, a Government employee, lives on a budget with an understanding wife and two children – a girl and a boy. He does a part time business selling pickles to save money for future needs. He has only one dream - that his son gets a Masters in Business Administration. But the boy is more interested in cricket than studies. Under normal circumstances, a clash between the father and the son is inevitable. Prakash Raj leaves that to be watched on the big screen whether the boy had gone his way to emulate a Dhoni, his idol or listened to his father?
“The story takes a turn towards a debate on the present day academic system. Education doesn't merely mean mathematics, science or geography or some other academic subject. Children should not be restricted to academics alone. Students should not end up like manufactured products. The parents have a responsibility to find out their wards interests, aim and ambitions and groom them accordingly.
This is what I tried to convey to the best of my understanding of the subject which is again based on the incidents that happen around us,” says Prakash Raj.
He played the middle class government employee and Radhika Apte his wife. Akash, (son of filmmaker Puri Jagannadh) plays the cricket crazy son. Brahmanandam, Thanikella Bharani, Nasser, Melkote, Ananth, Murali Sarma, Hema, Kasturi Hari and Sri Teja are in the cast. Maestro Ilayaraja recorded the songs written by Seetharama Sastry using live recording which is a rarity in these days of computerisation. Shot by K.V. Guhan, the film is edited by another national award winner Kishore.
“Though the story debates on the present day education system and the middle class dreams, to see their children as doctors and engineers, there are no tear-jerking scenes or emotional outbursts. The screenplay ensures an entertainer, of course with a message,” adds Prakash Raj.
Dhoni
Cast: Prakash Raj, Radhika Apte, Akash Puri
Direction, Story, Screenplay: Prakash Raj
Music: Illaiyaraaja
