Upendra: My role in Kalpana will scare people

The year 2012 has been a busy year for Kannada superstar Upendra with Kalpana being his fourth release. 

Although not all his films have done well, Upendra has nevertheless won acclaim for his performance in Godfather though it had an average run at the box-office. 

The much-hyped 3D flick Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi also had an average run much to the chagrin of its producer Munirathna Naidu.

The Kannada film Kalpana, which is releasing across Karnataka on Friday, September 28, is a remake of the Tamil hit Kanchana that was released last year. 

Kalpana is directed by veteran Ramnarayan and produced under his own banner, Sri Thenaandaal Films. 

The film is based on Lawrence Raghava's story and it stars Upendra, Saikumar, Lakshmi Rai, Shruthi and Umashri among others.

In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Upendra talks about his role in Kalpana. 

Why is the film titled Kalpana? Is it a tribute to the actress of yesteryears, Kalpana, who was known for her intense roles? 

As the original film in Tamil was titled Kanchana, I think the director thought it apt to go with this title. 

I think it is a kind of tribute to Kalpana who was a good performer and I think the director must have thought of naming the film in memory of the great actress.

How many roles do you play in the film? 

It's nothing of the sort. There are a few scenes where the main character gets possessed and is attacked by a ghost and thus he behaves differently. The ghost does not play the main role. The ghost is seen here and there.

Which of the roles that you played this year, in Aarakshaka, Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi, Godfather and now Kalpana, has given you the most satisfaction as an artiste?

I think I am not satisfied yet. I always feel that I could have done it better and differently. There is nothing called satisfaction.

However, there is a level of satisfaction when I think about the role and how I went about doing it. There is some amount of happiness that I got a role of a different nature. 

For instance, I performed Bharatanatyam dance in Godfather which was an effeminate avatar. I was keeping my fingers crossed that my fans and audiences would accept it. But, thankfully, people liked my performance and that is what gave me happiness. 

I was afraid of negative feedback but it turned out to be positive. Similarly, I believe my character in Kalpana will stand out.

Is your role in Kalpana meant to evoke fear and terror in audiences?

My role in the film will scare people and also give them a lot of fun. 

Kalpana is definitely a different kind of cinema in terms of treatment and story.

What changes have been made to suit Kannada audiences?

I am not sure about the changes that the director has made from the original. I am just an actor in the film. The director will be able to tell you what changes he has made and how the film has been edited.

How was it working with director Ramnarayan?

It was an amazing experience to work with such a senior director. Kalpana is his 125th film and it's nice to know that 75-80 per cent of his films have been hits. 

He is a very simple man and a living legend.

And what about working with experienced actors like Shruthi and Umashri? 

It was fun to work with them. Their roles and performances in the film will be the highlight of Kalpana.  

Saikumar has also performed well. Shruthi and Umashri planned their scenes very well and their combination scenes have come out fine. 

I didn't have many scenes with Lakshmi Rai as she has done only a small role. We have done two songs together.

What do you think people expect from you? You had the opportunity to interact with them during your recent birthday celebrations.

My fans want to see me do good films and that was the message I got from them. What they feel is very important to me. 

They were also curious to know about my next directorial venture which I have announced. 

Can you throw some light on the film you are going to direct?

It is too early to talk about it. Let me finish all my pending projects and the films that are on hand. Details are being worked out and I will talk about it at an appropriate time.