You have directed many television serials before you entered the film industry. Do you think the experience of working in serials helped you to write 'tight' scripts?
Before I became a director of television serials, I had assisted other directors like Ravichandran, Girish Kasaravalli, Sunil Kumar Desai and B.Suresha in films. But I was not noticed because I worked under these giants. And in this industry you are not recognized unless you bark.
I took turned to television because my writing talent was used to its maximum advantage. It allowed me to be innovative and this experience helped me. However, the film medium is very large and different. I think art of entertainment succeeds only through innovation.
What do you attribute the success of the film to?
The main strength of the film is it's innovative narration. Story-wise, it did not offer anything fresh, but the way the story is told with the help of some fantastic visuals and captivating music did make a difference. Krishna and Mano Murthy were excellent in photography and music. The dialogues were crisp and it was liked by the youth. Above all, Ganesh and Anant Nag were excellent in their roles.
The script for Mungaru Male was written by me when I was facing severe lack of confidence. Producer Krishnappa was willing to invest anything for Ganesh and he fully supported me. Perhaps the pain inside me helped me write such a script which is now referred to as the highpoint of the film.
How important is this success to you?
My career in films would have ended if this film had failed. My first film Mani got four state awards and critical acclaim, but it was a dismal flop. Despite its commercial elements, it failed to attract crowds. I don't blame anyone for that. I got a very big break in my second film. Sudeep who saw just a few reels of Mani during the rerecording wanted me to direct his film for K.C.N. Kumar told me I had to make the film a big hit, as he was taking me only because Sudeep recommended me. Pressure on me was too much. I wrote the script for my second film Ranga S.S.L.C, but eventually it was a work full of compromise. Sudeep did not interfere in my work but I desperately needed a hit. Despite a fantastic opening, it did not bring me any credit because I made some mistakes in narrating the script.
But Mungaru Male has changed all that. I am now being looked in the industry with a lot of respect. But I have now decided not to jump at the offers. I will work only when I have a good script.
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