I was born in an upper middle class family in Bengaluru, where we hardly used to watch Kannada films. We used to watch Hindi films and would consider watching Kannada films as a waste of time. I studied at a convent school, where I had friends from different states. The north Indians were proud of their Hindi films. Tamilians were proud of Tamil films and Telugu speaking friends were proud of Telugu films. However, the few Kannadigas, who were in my class always considered watching Kannada films as cheap and would prefer watching other language films, even though they found it difficult to understand the language.
When in high school, one of my friends in the area, who is a hardcore fan of yours took me to “Om”. The film was re-released. I was not at all interested in watching the film, as it was a Kannada film. But as my friend would feel upset, I went with him. I was shocked seeing the crowd in front of theatre for a re-released film.
I went inside the theatre. After three hours when I came out, my whole thinking about Kannada films had changed. I loved the film. Your introduction scene was ultimate. Never in my life, had I seen such atmosphere in a theatre. I was so proud that such a classic film was made in my mother tongue. I was also feeling guilty that I never watched my own films and thought they were inferior.
That was the day, when I became your fan. The intensity of your eyes when you perform turned me on. Taking my friends’ help, I started to watch all your old releases. I loved your films like “Anand”, Muthanna” and “Inspector Vikram”.
Around the same time, “Jogi” released. The craze and hype was so huge upon release. Never in my life, had I witnessed such hysteria around a film. I purchased a black ticket for Rs 500 (it was my two months pocket money) to watch the film first day first show at Kapali. You nailed the Jogi character again. The climax in the film proved why you are the best actor in the industry. I have lost the number of count I watched the film in theatre. I have still not paid the money to some of my friends, whose money I had borrowed to watch “Jogi”.
However after “Jogi”, I was very disappointed with your films. I used to go and watch all your films first day first show, but I hardly liked few. I was very disappointed. You were awesome as usual. But I felt you were let down by your directors. Your 100th film was “Jogayya” was all set to release. All your fans were expecting another “Jogi”. The hype was at its peak. We had huge expectations on the film. However we felt bad even before the start of the film, when we were not able to watch the 3D version. After watching the film, I felt disappointed. To be honest, the film was good. It was better than most of your last few films. However, the hype which Prem had created around the film let us down.
After “Joggaiah”, I was disappointed with your choice of films. I loved “Kaddipudi” though and consider it as one of your best films. However, the film which made all your fans happy was “Bhajrangi”. The film lived up to its pre-release hype and was a treat. Your next two films “Aryan” and “Belli” were extremely disappointing. I felt that you are choosing to work with wrong directors and on wrong subjects.
The year 2015 can be said to be your turning point. You had a solo release with “Vajrakaya”, which was liked by everyone. You started to experiment with films in 2016, with films like ‘Killing Veerappan’, ‘Shivalinga’ and ‘Kabira’, which is always a welcome move. I do not think you need to prove anything in terms of box office. You have already shattered many box office records. Your fans would want you to see in different roles now. In exceptional cases, films like “Kabira” may fail. But I am hundred percent sure, few years down the line, the film will be remembered as a cult classic.
The best part which I like about you is your commitment. You committed once that you will never act in remakes. It’s been so many years and you have never acted in a remake! Hats off to you. I hope all big stars follow you and stop acting in remakes. The energy in which you dance and perform will put any youngster to shame. No one will believe that you are father of two grown up daughters.
Your next few films look interesting. You are also acting in multi-starrers like “The Villain” and “Mufti” with stars like Sudeep and Srimurali, which is a very good trend for the industry. All your fans are really excited about this.
Another aspect which I would like to tell is the number of films which are announced with you in lead. We hear so many movies being announced in your names. It is a request from your fans, that a film should be announced if it is confirmed to go on floors. Films like “Baadshah”, “Trivakrama”, “Manmohaka” and others have been announced years back. But there has been no news. I know everything is not in your hands. But please make sure that only if the film is sure to go on floors, announce the film.
Continue your good work and work with newcomers. I am sure they will give more justice to your films. You have been an inspiration to millions of fans. Keep on rocking and entertaining us Shivanna!!
