EMPIRE ON 'KING'
MSP's 'Bhargavarama'

Report by - CNB                 Photo by -K.M. Veeresh           Date - 11th March  2006 Time 10.30 PM

M.S.Ramaiah Chitralaya – from the MSR Foundation - the vast empire of Karnataka in the field of education and health in its diversification into film production is committed in making clean films says Mr Pattabhiram addressing the media on the occasion of completion of 'Gandugali Kumararama' Jaipur schedule at the office of MSR Foundation in Bangalore on Saturday morning.

Maintaining the name earned at the national and international level is very important for us. Our next social film might be based on 'Manasu Mallige' novel. Our company is not interested in remake films says Pattabhiram.

Here are the excerpts of an hour chat with Mr Pattabhiram:

Was there uniform opinion from the family when you announced the start of the film?
It is not our cup of tea was the opinion in the family. But once I evinced interest my nine brothers came forward to invest one crore each. We had bitter experience in 'Srishti' television serial production. The reason why I am in to film production is not to make money. We want to make very good historical, social and other kinds of films.

You got a good welcome when you announced 'GKR'?
Many of my friends told that I am taking a wrong step. They said I am going to have a bitter experience. But I believed in good hard work. To my support came the entire Dr.Rajkumar family. I was ready with this project to do with Dr.Rajkumar. But his health did not permit. I requested for Shivrajkumar. I contacted Bhargava to direct this film. In one and half months of my discussion the film went on the floors.

The way in which you are lavishly taking up the project it seems no one has done in the past?
I do not boast but we are not leaving any shortages. At this young age the interest of Shivrajkumar, the continuous hard work of director Bhargava has further pumped courage in me. Sometimes I wondered why the big names like Vajreshwari, Ishwari and KCN banner has not taken up this historical film. After Babruvahana in mid 70's and around this time 'Mayoora' are in our memory. But after that no historical film was made. There was a very little portion in 'Guru Sishyaru'.

You are impressed with how the film is shaping up?
I was in Jaipur for four days and seen how Bhargava works. He is a perfect man. What work he has done for his 49 films he is putting so much of effort for this GKR. So is the enthusiasm of Shivrajkumar. I have told both of them to sign a contract for five years in our company to make 5 to 6 historical and social films. I have understood that there is hunger for this type of films in Karnatka. I felt that this film should have come two years ago. After this historical film other may follow suit on other subject.

Do you have any other such projects in mind?
Yes. I have films like Bhakta Ambarisha, Nrupathunga, Buddha etc. It is only Dr.Rajkumar who can do such roles but after him Shivrajkumar can do such roles is what I understand from his working style in this film. If Dr.Raj accepts we are ready to take up all such films.

You are a fan of Dr.Rajkumar it seems?
Yes. Basically I am a fan. In my younger days I was seeing his films like Babruvahana, Bhakta Prahallada, Mayoora plenty of times. I have seen his Satya Harishchandra more than 150 times. I used to stand in the queue to get morning show ticket at Geethanjali theatre. When there was no ticket I used to run from there to Navrang theatre to get ticket. For some films of Dr.Raj I continue to stand for matinee show ticket when the ticket was not available for morning show. I have a feeling that there are some people who are born to some of the roles. That is Dr.Rajkumar.

Have you not tried with other heroes to produce a film?
I contacted one person to make a film. He offered me to see five Malayalam films to remake it. I said I am not ready on any day to make a remake. Then once I asked Vishnuji to accept a film with Shivrajkumar also in an important role. He agreed to do it. When I contacted Shivrajkumar whether he is interested in Vishnuji film he said he is always ready.

Do you someone throwing mud in the good relationships?
Yes. Kannada filmdom is not like Tamil or Telugu. The difference of opinion is too much in adjacent states. But when it comes to films they are one and united. 'I am like friend of all and enemy to none'. I don't believe in the camps. I am in the God's camp. Our youngsters like Shivrajkumar, Darshan and Sudeep should not get such feel of forming coterie.

Why are you averse to remakes?
It is not Karnataka culture. There is no need from my point of view. Very rarely films have clicked. From M.S.Ramaiah Chitralaya there will be no remakes. In our land good subjects could be churned out. The god has given us everything.

Dr.Rajkumar is singing for 'Gandugali Kumara Rama'?
He has almost accepted the offer to sing one song. I have inquired him when I met him at the hospital recently. His health is very good. He goes on a brisk walk that I cannot do at my 46 years of age.

Is there any worry you have after this multi crores project started?
The only worry is how beautifully we present it to the people of Karnataka. There are expectations from 8 to 80 years of age. Reach is the responsibility on our shoulders. The result is a foregone conclusion.

How was the Jaipur schedule of shooting?
We have shot for 21 days and there was good cooperation from all. The entire team struggled hard to capture some important portions. Ram Shetty has used the services of 600 horses, 20 elephants, 800 soldiers and 22 artistes for the war sequence. Sundarnath Suvarna has used three cameras. Dr.Rajkumar family gave the contacts for us in Jaipur. In fact I wanted to take Dr.Rajkumar and his wife to Jaipur portion of shooting. But I will invite him to attend the shooting in Hampi.

All the songs are ready now?
We have six songs in which four are ready. 3 have been shot already.

It seems you are not caring for the budget?
One thing I will tell you. When we heard the preparation and budget prior to Bharagava it was 30 percent more.

Have you not given audio and video rights at this stage?
I have been told by my director that the film should be completed then all these marketing of the film will be discussed. I said yes to Bhargavaji. We have plans to release the audio in Hampi.

The hype has already built up for GKR?
I have noticed people coming in hundreds and thousands to watch the shooting. They have even extended their cooperation. We are now shooting at Kaushik studio. From 5 th April to 13th April we moving to Hampi and we have some portions in Muthathi forest.

You have idea of 'Making of GKR' to come up?
Certainly we are discussing on this topic. When this type of huge film is made shooting in various places the experiences should go on record.

For one of the two roles of Shivrajkumar the voice over of Dr.Rajkumar could be thought…
This is a nice suggestion we will think about it. As a matter of fact this is the project what Dr.Rajkumar wanted to do.

How is the health of Mr Ashok now?
One thing I would make it very clear. He has not fallen down from the horse. It was a trick shot he was on a jeep with 15 others. In a curve he received a jerk. The problem he had already ballooned up. He was taking homoeopathy medicine. We have brought him to Bangalore from Jaipur and giving all care in our hospital. He is in good condition.