Good film is a matter of perspective, says Suraj Gowda

The actor-director feels expectations are high from 'Ninna Sanihake'. The film should hit the screens in April

Actor Suraj Gowda, who was last seen in a lead role in ‘Siliconn City’, has completed his directorial film ‘Ninna Sanihake’, with Dhanya Ramkumar, granddaughter of Dr Rajkumar. The project which was announced in 2019, was completed last year and will be releasing in April. In a candid chat with Metrolife, he reveals more.

The film is planned for an April release, any specific reason for it?

We wanted to release the film on 24 April 2020, but by then the country was in lockdown. The day is special as it is Dr Rajkumar’s birth anniversary. We are planning for an April release now, as this is what the whole team wants. Dhanya wants the film to release in April to mark respect for her grandfather. A coincidence is that my birthday is also in April.

What are the expectations from the film?

There are many reasons people are expecting a lot from the film, one being that the songs have been recieved really well. ‘Ninna Sanihake’ (title song), ‘Maley Maley’ and ‘Nee Parichaya’, all penned by Vasuki Vaibhav and composed by Raghu Dixit, were an instant hit.

Raghu Dixit has done commendable work on the background score as well as songs. The launch of Dhanya, the first female actor from the Rajkumar family has also been getting the film much attention. Her work will speak for itself.

What made you choose Dhanya for the role?

I wanted to work with a fresh face because the story was fresh. I wanted someone who didn’t have a certain mannerism connected to them that the audience would come looking for. A common friend suggested her name and that how’s it all fell in place.

Tell us a bit about ‘Ninna Sanihake’.

It’s a rom-com and entertainer. ‘Ninna Sanihake’ is an honest attempt to tell the story of two people who come from different cities, their journey, and how things unfold. The film has a realistic approach towards how relationships are these days, without exaggerating it. The movie will tell a story from the grassroots despite elements of song and dance. A good film is a matter of perspective. It is difficult to do a good film but even more so to work on a hit film. I have been working towards creating a hit film and win the majority of perspectives.

Do you feel more romantic roles will come your way after ‘Ninna Sanihake’?

To start with, my character explores a lot of shades in the film. One will see sides of me that have never been seen before.

The audience will get to see me fighting for the first time, I have been into martial arts since my childhood.

Though I might be able to write and direct rom-coms better, I can act in any project.

How did 2020 pan out?

After the film’s post-production, I was working on a screenplay for my next. It will be a rom-com based on travel.

Directing, writing, and acting in a film – which was most challenging?

I’ve never faced any pressure. I love cinema and always wanted to be a part of the industry.

Getting a chance to be in charge of a project, was more play than work for me. It was never stressful.