Meet Chetan Kumar Kenja, who had moved on to making a film, after garnering precious experience working in some leading Kannada channels. Speaking to newskarnataka.com, Chetan talks of his journey so far.
1. Tell us about your entry into world of cinema.
I started writing short stories when I was in class 8 and I was inspired by a write up on grandfather in a local newspaper. On completing my studies at Besant evening college, I left to Bengaluru, where a mentor of mine suggested that I learn camera and editing work. But, my dream was to direct movies like Hirani. I sought a lot of inspiration from several Hindi and vernacular films and over the time people like Rajamouli and others became my idols.
I have worked with Asianet Suvarna for two years and TV9 Kannada for 18 months as an editor and gradually studied cinema post production. Grabbing all that came my way, now here I am holding my maiden product – Prema Geema Jane do.
2. When did you start working on your first movie ‘Prema Geema jane do’?
Prema Geema jane do is a line from a super-hit Kannada movie song. Keeping this song in my mind I started working on the storyline of this experimental movie. I was not confident enough that there will be any producer for my story. Lucia, the first crowd funded movie had just hit the screens. Keeping this plan, I registered for a banner with the help of my little savings. I needed a minimum of Rs one crore and I discussed it with my friends. They were impressed with my story and started saving small amount for the movie. A doctor who was impressed with the story related to a rare mental disease provided Rs 25 lakhs for the movie. Later all the technicians and actors with a less pay worked for the movie day and night. We are all glad that there has been a wonderful response to our trailor which was released recently.
3. ‘Prema Geema…’ what is so special about it?
This is a story in four phases evolving around a boy. I have spoken about a strange mental disorder in the film. This is a new concept and I believe that cinema lovers will like it. The story takes place in a city and has a message for people from villages. We have shot for around 55 days in Darjiling, Sikkim, Bengaluru and Madikeri. Three cameramen who have worked as assistant cameramen in big budget movies have worked with us. Lucia fame Poornachandra Tejaswi has rendered background score. Out of four songs, two are penned by Poornachandra Tejaswi and remaining songs are by Arasu Antare.
4. The film is all set to release. How do you feel and what are the plans to promote it?
The movie will be released in 40 theatres on September 2. We will see the response for the first week and then have plans to extend it to more theatres. Rathavara movie distributor Navarasan has been doing all the distribution works. Impressed with our trailers even the TV channels have been promoting it. It is a positive sign.
5. Some more words on ‘Prema geema…’
Censor Board has appreciated the movie. This is a complete family entertainer. Chidren and adults, everyone can watch it. Though the movie does not have star actors I believe that people will accept a good movie like ‘Prema geema’.
