The last thing H D Deve Gowda wants is a film on his family -- especially with elections in Karnataka just around the corner. Evidently, Gowda is not a man of much humour and is contemplating legal action against the producers of a film titled, Mukhyamantri (Chief Minister), I Love You.
The former Prime Minister has, apparently, spoken to top lawyers across the country like K K Venugopal and is planning to move court against the film's release. His men have also been assigned the task of translating the script from Kannada to English, so the High Court or Supreme Court can be moved. Both courts insist on an English translation before hearing the matter, English being the official language of the country's higher courts.
Apparently, the script revolves around an alleged affair between a former chief minister and a leading actress in the Kannada film industry. It also deals with the mining scam that rocked the state around a year and a half ago. Sources close to Gowda say the JD(S) strongman feels the film takes potshots at his family. His supporters say it is funded by an anti-Gowda group and is aimed at demeaning the Gowda clan's reputation. They also question the film's timing, pointing out that it aims at running election prospects of the JD(S), and the Gowda family in particular.
Meanwhile, a muhurat for the film was held recently. The role of chief minister will be played by newcomer Vijay, while the minister's mistress will be played by popular actress Bhavana. Haripriya plays the minister's wife. Interestingly, there is also a character called Tantri Gowda.
Industry sources say another movie on the Gowda clan -- titled Papa's Adventures -- is on the anvil. However, no concrete decision on its making has been taken yet.