Shivraj Kumar and Puneet are back on the sets after an unforeseen hiatus. Shivanna's much-publicised venture is Santha another `long versus law' tale. Santha is actually Santosh and yes, Shivanna plays a rowdy. Another highlight is that he's pitted against real life cop, Sangliana, who'll play himself, more dramatically though. This is not the first time Shivanna is playing goon with the golden heart so you'll have to wait and see what made him do this film. Then there's Thayiya Madilu which should have the faithful female audiences wringing their tear-drenched pallus. The bad news for the industry is that the lavishly mounted Gandugali Kumara Rama is not doing too well. Comparisons are odious but obvious for audiences used to the regal screen presence of Dr. Raj. Shivanna has worked hard on his dialogue delivery and body language but the whole package leaves you cold.
Puneet will face the camera again in September for Arasu which was the last muhurath Dr. Raj attended. There has been some reshuffling as far as the cast is concerned. "We had signed newcomers but decided that we needed seasoned performers since it's a triangle," says Mahesh who has to prove that Akash was not a fluke. Puneet plays a NRI. Coming to the women Meera Jasmine was signed first. She's already acted with Puneet. For the other role Rakshita was considered, but her impending marriage made the production zero in on Ramya who's shooting in London. Ramya took a day before giving her assent. After the first schedule the unit will shoot the songs in USA and Canada. "It's the last script Appaji discussed with his brother Vardanna. They both loved it so we have to live up to their expectations," sighs Puneet.
Actor Ramesh is itching to get behind the camera. He knows he cannot rest on the tremendous success of his directorial debut, Rama Shama Bhama. He's busy shooting for Tenali Rama a rollicking comedy with Jaggesh for co-star. It's about the misadventures of two guys who're conned continuously.
His other ventures, Soundarya and Ekadantha have been wrapped up save some patchwork and dubbing. There are portions of one song in Soundarya which was shot without Sakshi Shivanand in Switzerland. Ramesh is excited about a story he's written which has lots of intrigue and adventure. "I'm looking for a producer with deep pockets," says the actor who cannot conceal his enthusiasm.
S. SHIVA KUMAR
sshivu@yahoo.com
