Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, one of the most talented actor-filmmakers and screen writers the country has seen, is making his debut in Kannada cinema through Mohanadasa , directed by the noted film maker, P. Sheshadri. Mahadevan, who has directed 17 films, and acted in over 50 films in Marathi, Tamil and Hindi languages, besides tele-serials, is essaying the role of Karamchand Gandhi, father of the Mahatma, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Basking in the glory of Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (which is based on Jnanapith recipient writer K. Shivarama Karantha), Sheshadri is making Mohanadasa in three languages (Kannada, English and Hindi) in co-operative model under Mitra Chitra banner. Sheshadri, who used to make films on a shoe-string budget, is for the first time, venturing into big budget cinema. He is making Mohanadasa to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi. Sheshadri has converted first floor of the century old Mariyappa Trust building in Chamarajapet as Karamchand Gandhi's house to shoot his final schedule.
On the sets of the film, Ananth Mahadevan speaks about the relevance of Gandhi, his directorial ventures such as Mai Ghat and Doctor Rakmabai , theatre and Hindi film scene in the country, among other things.
Sporting the traditional Gujarathi turban and cotton kurta, scratching his pepper-salt beard, Ananth Mahadevan talks about his role in the film: “First of all this is a film, that has not been attempted in Gandhi's country. Though Richard Attenborough and Shyam Benegal have made Gandhi and Making of Mahatma respectively, Gandhi’s beginnings has never been attempted so far. In a film such as this, I am essaying the role of the father, whom you have not seen before. When the role was offered, I was quite excited, as the film is being made by sensitive and sensible film maker P. Sheshadri, who won national film awards for most of his films. It was a perfect vehicle for me to act as an actor.”
Did he prepare for the role before the shoot? “Yes, I did go through all the material that was available on Karamchand Gandhi. Actually no one knows precisely his body language. The little I knew was that he was a Diwan and prone to anger. During the colonial regime he was a disturbed man. What I knew was that he took the little boy Mohandas to watch a play of Raja Harishchandra , and told him the importance of honesty and diligence. He played the conscience keeper in Mohandas's life. These details were enough for me to prepare for the role and to set the tone,” he smiled.
“We are looking at Gandhi from today's point of view in a time when probably the Gandhi's model may not work. Many people across the globe look upon him as the apostle of peace and goodness. They cannot be wrong. During Gandhi's time, we knew who the enemy was. Today we don't know who the enemy is. Will you be able to adopt Gandhi in to a situation where the enemy is within in you not outside?” he asked.
When asked about his exit from the Rocketry project, which was dear to his heart a year ago, Ananth Mahadeven doesnt seem keen to speak about it. “At the moment I am not doing Nambi Narayanan (a renowned aerospace scientist who was falsely charged with espionage and exonerated by the Supreme Court) film, although I worked for five years. But, because of the circumstances, I don't want to talk about it right now, as I don't want to affect the film in any manner. I was the director of that film. Then the co-director came in, which was not acceptable for me. I was with Nambi sir for more than 30 months. I know everything about him, inside out. At times he used to joke; 'you know more about me than I do'. I spent another two years on production. Ultimately, it is like somebody taking away your baby,” he explained.
He regained composure again, when asked about his film Mai Ghat and Doctor Rakmabai . “I have just completed my 17th directorial venture, Mai Ghat . It is based on the story of Prabhavathi Amma of Kerala, whose son Udaykumar was tortured to death in custody. Though, she is a total illiterate Prabhavathi Amma put together all her resources to fight the legal battle for justice. Finally, CBI came to her rescue. After 13 years, she finally got justice. My film is based on the historical judgement pronounced by the court and two cops involved in the incident are handed over death sentence. Mai Ghat captures her emotions and conveys a social message. It is an emotional journey without melodrama. I wanted to take it to all International Film Festivals.
He was elated over the response for his Doctor Rakmabai , which is the story of India's first practising lady doctor, social rebel and medical pioneer, who paved way for a fight against gender discrimination. “I am proud of Doctor Rakmabai . I shot the film in real locations after facing lot of hurdles. I have to appreciate the dedication of Tannishtha chatterjee, who essayed the role,” he says.
Ananth Mahadevan is still proud of his first role with Peter O' Toole: the British stage and film actor in Kim. “I consider that as my most auspicious baptism for acting, because he is one of the greatest actors ever. Who would dream of such an opportunity?" The theatre and film journey that he started is still continuing even after 36 years. “But, still I am a struggler in Bollywood, because people won't consider me as part of that film industry,” he signs off.
