Be it acting or filmmaking, Prakash Raj hates to travel the treaded path. And that is what drives him to choose different course each time. This time round he is visiting colleges across the State for the audio launch of his new production ‘Inidhu, Inidhu’.
“Generally, film audio launch is organised either in a star hotel or in a closed auditorium. But I wanted to be different. I chose colleges, which is also the main backdrop for my movie, a remake of Sekar Kammula’s award-winning Telugu movie ‘Happy Days’. This film is a celebration of youth,” he shared during a visit to city for the same purpose.
Known for his novel attempts in filmmaking, it is once again a familiar ground for Prakash Raj while choosing the subject. “Of late, I find films showcase youths in negative roles and eulogise misdirected persons only to send wrong signals among young minds. They are projected as irresponsible but in truth modern day youths are more responsible. They can perform assigned jobs to perfection and also to the utmost satisfaction of their mentors,” he pointed out.
“I specifically wanted this subject as it kindles nostalgia. No body ever forgets his or her college days. The memories of student days are always cherished and its impact immense. For, this is the time when one learns about success and failure, friendship and love. There is so much bonding. I have tried to capture that essence of this life,” he asserted.
For a person, who never fails to identify and introduce creative talents promptly, in this film too he has introduced a whole new set of cast and technical crew. “The director of this film, K.V. Guhan is basically a cinematographer. He was the one who handled the camera in Mozhi. Here too he has done a splendid job performing the dual role of wielding the megaphone and also handling the camera. Mickey J Meyer, who has done the original score for the Telugu movie, is also the music director of this film,” he added.
Amazed at the abundant potential of the generation next, Prakash Raj stoutly defended his decision to feature youths as a big force. “They are very informative and their ability to multi-task is great. There is so much of energy. Probably, it is because they face so much pressure given the number of avenues available today. Modern day youths are much focussed and their exposure has surpassed unimaginable levels. This I realised when I got to meet more than 2000 talented youths whom I called for an interview to select the cast for the movie. The four-month exercise became a problem of plenty. Selection was not at all easy and finally we zeroed in on those who fitted story outline. Their skills were honed during three months training programme,” he beamed.
Acknowledging that the film is a remake, Duet Movies (his production house) has adapted it to Tamil culture. “We have concentrated upon the general feel in the movie and it has worked well. Majority of the shooting was done at Vellore Institute of Technology and some exotic places in Kerala.”
Prakash Raj has done a world of good for the Tamil cinema having set a healthy trend of making quality Tamil movies such as ‘Azhagiya Theeye’, ‘Mozhi’ and ‘Abhiyum Naanum’. “The energy that I derive from spending quality time with my daughters and other personal likings, I spend it in cinema.”
Having set his foot successfully in acting and film production, he has also ventured into direction with ‘Naanu Nanna Kanasu’ the Kannada remake of Tamil movie ‘Abhiyum Naanum’. “I have gained the good will of Tamilians with my previous movies receiving good response. I hope the same for ‘Inidhu Inidhu’, slated for August 20 release,” he said.
Prakash Raj is now busy working for his next production ‘Payanam’ directed by Radha Mohan.
During an interaction with students of American College, he exhorted them to enjoy college days. He wanted them to join the exercise by filming their campus and send it across to him. “You can capture the beauty of your campus, what you have learnt here and share the pleasures of college life. I will choose the best entries and meet the makers in person,” he promised.
His call cast a spell among the youthful audience as they responded with wild cheers.
