Vishnuvardhan takes on Mammootty

Dr Vishnuvardhan's 198th Kannada film is a remake of Rajamamikam, one of the most commercially successful Malayalam films.

Rajamanikam was a far cry from the typical Malayalam films in its story, design and execution. The uniqueness as far as Keralites were concerned, was the way Mammootty dressed and spoke (in a Trivandrum accent).

The Kannada remake directed by Dinesh Babu and produced by his trusted lieutenant K.Manju is Bellary Naga. The film releases on October 9.

Vishnuvardhan said of his role, "My character is not conventional. He is a buffallo seller who has a disturbed childhood. He makes it big but does not change his rough attitude.

"The dialogue delivery, characterisation, body language and mannerisms may look quite odd. And he likes to be called Bellary Naga as he has migrated to Bellary and made it big in that town.

"I have tried to be different in portraying the character. It is certainly a character that I will remember even after many years. Many people ask me whether the title suits my stature in the industry. I can only tell them that they have to watch the film and then decide."

Dr Vishnu's dialogue delivery with a strong Bellary accent was helped by journalist Ravi Belagere who hails from Bellary and knows the intricacies of the spoken language of the region.

Producer K Manju says that Bellary Naga is a film not only for Vishnu's fans, but for the entire family audience.

"The promos may give you the impression that Vishnu sir's rough character may appeal to his fans only. But that is not so. The film has a sentimental angle which will be liked by the family audience. Vishnu sir has acted so brilliantly in the film that his performance will be talked about."

Dinesh Babu who has done many successful films with Vishnuvardhan says that directing the actor for a film like Bellary Naga was a different experience for him.

"I have directed Vishnu sir in many sentimental fares. I had not tried to portray him in any dynamic roles except in a film like Nishabdha. But in Bellary Naga, Vishnu sir has played a character that is real, down to earth and firmly rooted to the soil."

Manasi plays a special role in the film which also stars Shobharaj, Avinash and Ramesh Bhat in important roles. Young actor Ambareesh Sarangi and film actor-director Nagashekhar play Naga's friends in the film.