In his 25 years in the industry, Ramesh Aravind has always tried to be a versatile actor. But he never got a chance to portray a mythological character. All that is changing now, as the actor-director has started working on his first mythological movie, in which he will be playing the role of the social reformer Basavanna. The film is titled Mahasharana Haralayya. Not only is Ramesh excited about the role but now that the shoot is in progress, Ramesh says he is getting to connect with the reformer on a different level.
“All these years, I have known Basavanna only through what we have read in textbooks. But playing the role is a different experience altogether. I have come to realise what a multi-faceted person he used to be. He was truly a guiding light,” says Ramesh.
While this will be the first time Ramesh will be seen playing the role of Basavanna, there have been others like Honnappa Bhagawath and Ashok who have essayed the character in the past. “We have been very careful not to make any changes in the character and ensure that we get the facts right,” he adds.
The trend of bringing back historical films in Sandalwood is increasing, especially after the Darshan-starrer Sangolli Raayanna became a huge success. Ramesh agrees, “It has become a trend, especially among youngsters. I have seen many kids watching historical serials on television, which is a great thing as they are trying to connect to their roots. And now with more movies coming out, it will only improve.”
The movie will be directed by BA Purushottam, who is known for directing films based on mythology. He has previously helmed movies like Jagadguru Renukacharya, Bhakta Shankara, Devi Bhagyamma and Jnanajyothi Siddhaganga. He has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues for this project. The film will be produced by A Devaraj under the banner of Bhagyodaya Cine Creations. The movie will be shot in historical locations in North Karnataka, such as Basavakalyan, Gadag, Dharwad, Kundagol and Basavana Bagewadi.