'Mynaa is my most satisfying role so far'

Kannada actor Chetan, who debuted with Aa Dinagalu, seems quite upbeat about his new film Mynaa.

He talks to Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana about the film, and how his character in it has changed him for the better.

You said Mynaa changed you for the better. How?

I found myself establishing a connect with my character in the film. He is someone who is passionate about life. He is ready to take risks to get what he wants. The best thing about him, though, is his ethics. No wonder he is called Satya in the film. 

He has a very honest approach to life. In fact, it is his way of viewing the world around him that influences the thought behind this film. 

As for how it has changed me personally, I would say that the innocence, purity and goodness of my character has rubbed off on me. I find myself loving those who mean the most to me, more dearly.

Do you think the film will have a similar effect on the audience?

Post Mynaa, I see a lot of small changes in my day-to-day life. I won't be surprised if people who watch it are also influenced in a positive manner. 

Mynaa is sure to bring about a change in the treatment of women. The plot may seem even more significant in this present context where incidents of violence against women are becoming the order of the day.   

Would you then call the film serious and your role intense?

All I'll say is that the audience will like this role of mine the most.

As for me, it is by far my most satisfying role. While my character is 20-something in the film, to get into the skin of the character, I imagined how his early years must have been. It was these thoughts that influenced my performance. 

The film is based on a true incident. But more than what I heard from my director -- who has interacted with those involved in the real incident -- it was my own analysis of the character that helped me do justice to the part. 

I became Satya and literally lived his struggles and pleasures. This is by far one of my most challenging and fulfilling roles, but I don't think I'll consider such a character again. 

As an actor, I believe one should not get typecast. I'm ready to take risks for the sake of art.

Now that the film has released, how do you look back on the experience of having shot for it?

The film is like a beautiful painting and each person on the team was striving for perfection. It was a highly professional setup and director Nagashekar was the perfect leader. He was very clear about what he wanted. His attention to detail is also commendable, be it the locations or screenplay. 

I feel we have been successful in telling a compelling story.

I loved the way each character was etched. In all, Mynaa is a visual and technical treat. Since it is based on a true incident, it will not come across as artificial.

How was Nitya Menon as a co-star?

She will do justice to any kind of role. The director has provided her with a very distinctive character in the film. Actually, like I mentioned earlier, each and every character in the film is crucial to the plot. Each of them will remain with you till the end. They are there for a purpose. 

Be it the role of a dynamic actor like Sharath Kumar or the police officer role of Suman Ranganathan, there is so much to take back. In fact, after watching the film, you will feel that we need more women police officers in our society.

Would you say that just like the characters, songs are also turning out to be a plus for the film?

Music is bound to be good when it is someone of Jassie Gift's calibre who is at the helm of affairs. The best part about the songs is that they contribute to the progress of the plot rather than acting as a respite or a deterrent.

Before the release of the film, there were reports of the team facing copyright issues with Lahari audio over a song used in the film. Is everything okay on that front now? 

It's best if the director or the producer comment on the copyright issue. 

Also, there were rumours that you haven't dubbed for the film and you were upset about that. Is that so?

There is no question of me being upset as I am the one who has dubbed for the film. For me, it's more important to dub in Kannada -- that I hold dear to my heart -- than being on screen! 

It's not possible to relate to the character without dubbing for it. Speaking of dubbing, I want to thank sound engineer Anand for being a great help.

My stylist Surabhi deserves special mention for making me look colourful in the film.