Decades ago, Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan scorched the screen in action film Sahasa Simha with his daredevil action scenes. After that, he was referred to by the same moniker. Now, four years after his demise, the veteran actor is back, in a comic titled Detective Sahasasimha.
The actor’s son-in-law, actor Aniruddha Jatkar, has, in association with Amar Chitra Katha, come out with the comic book series. The first title is called The Case Of The Reluctant Pickpocket .
Aniruddha says the idea of bringing alive his father-in-law in a book form struck him and wife Keerthi about a year ago. “We were looking at an animated film, but were not sure how to recreate his iconic voice. And so, we decided to convert that into a comic series, so that he continues to charm a new generation of children,” he says. The comic is brought out under the banner, Keerthi.
In The Case of The Reluctant Pickpocket , released in December 2013, Vishnuvardhan’s cell phone is stolen by a young boy. His grandchildren, Jyesta and Shloka, help him track the phone using an app, and that sets the actor on the trail of a young boy forced to steal. Will the actor, known for his do-gooder image, save the boy and others like him? That’s what the story is all about.
The story is packed with action, interesting disguises and a moral message, things that Vishnuvardhan was known for. Aniruddha says they plan to bring out four books a year. “Every book,” he says, “will focus on an issue and also carry details about an NGO working in that field.” Since the first book is about child trafficking, Childline is the chosen organisation. A whole page speaks about its origin and functions and ways to reach it.
The second book is still in the concept stage, he says. “The goal is to bring alive his traits and the values he epitomised in the comic,” says Aniruddha, who admits he was first a huge fan of the star before he became family.
To ensure children are drawn into the story, there’s a lot of mention of technology too. “The characters of Jyesta and Shloka highlight how kids can use gadgets and their creativity for the benefit of society,” says Aniruddha.
Every book also contains a small worksheet where kids can analyse the story. The comics are published in English (Rs. 50) and in Kannada (Rs. 40).
