S S Sajjan, a 26-year-old youth is all set to make its debut as a director with “Mantram”. An M.Com graduate, S S Sajjan has worked as lecturer before entering film industry. In today’s time, when new directors are struggling to find producer for their films, S S Sajjan has already started shooting his second film, before the release of his debut film. In an exclusive chat with NewsKarnataka.com, S S Sajjan speaks about his journey:
Tell us about your early life?
I am from Gabbur village in Raichur, a village which has great historical significance. I did my B.Com in Raichur and did my M.Com from Bengaluru. I worked as a lecturer in Bengaluru, but my interest remained in films.
We, the people of Raichur are very passionate about art. Even today a street play or a drama draws lakhs of people. I wanted to be part of the Kannada film industry and represent my district, which is so passionate about art and films..
How did you enter films?
I came to Bengaluru to do my post graduation. I started to work in dramas. I have performed in nearly 1500 BBMP street drams. I also used to write script and songs. These street dramas were mainly done to create awareness. Soon I started developing contacts in Sandalwood and I worked as assistant director and also as an associate director. I decided that I wanted to become a director. During my stint as assistant director, I saw many talented people working as Associate directors even after 30 years. I did not want to join the list and decided to try my luck in direction.
How did “Mantram” happen?
I had written many scripts, but I decided to make my big screen debut with “Mantram”. I initially decided to produce the film on my own. I shot the teaser with my own money. Luckily, Amar Chowdary, who is basically from Rajasthan, now settled in Bengaluru saw the teaser. He was impressed by my work. He called me up and asked me to meet him. I told him about the script and within few minutes he agreed to produce the film.The muhurath of film was done during Sankranthi in January 2015.
Why did the film take so much time to get ready?
It has been two years since the film went on floors. We shot the film in Daulat Mahal. It is an 300 year old palace in Raichur. We had a negative buzz when we shot there first. Even though we made horror film, we never believed in ghosts. However, they were spooky stuff happening. Whenever we wanted to do something, it would not go as per plans. We decided to stop shooting and came back to Bengaluru within three days. Our producer was of great support and he assured us full support. In Bengaluru, we finished our first schedule. However I felt that only Daulat Mahal can give the desired satisfaction and effect.
So we again went there and started the shoot. Over the period of shoot, we had many of our crew members suffering accidents, including me, which resulted in delaying of the film.
Who suffered accidents and what happened?
I had initially chosen Bharath as hero, However he met with accident and was asked to take bed rest for a year. We replaced him with Shamanth Shetty, who also met with an accident after shooting the teaser. He also injured his leg. However, he recovered before the main shoot. During Raichur schedule, Rangaswamy, a character artist fell and injured his back and leg. In Bengaluru schedule, our make up man also injured his leg. We had almost completed the shoot and had an audio release event in Raichur. While coming back, the car which had our cast and crew members met with an accident. There were 9 people in the car. Nothing happened to eight persons, but only Prathap, who is playing a pivotal role injured his leg. He was advised bed rest for 8 months. Only after he was able to walk, we shot the song. In all the mishaps we injured our legs!
Why did you decide to cast newcomers for the film?
I wanted to do film the way I wanted and I believed script is my hero. Instead of approaching a popular face, I felt it is better to cast newcomers. Shamanth Shetty, Pallavi Raju, Baby Sthavana, Dileep, Arpith, Prathap and Mithun have played pivotal roles in the film. I am extremely confident that they will become the future stars of Sandalwood. The way they have performed, no one will believe that they are newcomers. Our female lead-Pallavi Raju has been exceptionally good.
We hear so many instances of heroines throwing tantrums. But that was not the case with Pallavi. For a particular scene in the film, she was supposed to lick the water on floor. Due to time constraints, I was not able to set the scene properly and asked her to do it in natural way. Without any hesitation, she performed it so wonderfully. Shamanth Shetty had acted as villain in Vinay Rajkumar’s debut film “Siddhartha”. This is his first film as hero and even he has performed very well. Dileep, Arpith, Prathap and Mithun are the four pillars of my film. Without them, the film would not at have happened. Even though the film has new actors, I have experienced technicians. Ravi Basrur and Joni Harsha have worked on music and editing respectively.
Why did you choose horror genre for your debut film?
I was very attached to Daulat Mahal and wanted to do a film based on that. I had only two options, one was to do a horror film and second was to do a historical film. Being a debutante, I chose the former. Making horror film in a smaller budget is also possible. All these reasons made me choose horror genre.
Also, I wanted to bring Daulat Mahal alive through my film.
When are you planning to release the film?
I am planning to get the film released around March 3. The date will be announced soon. We are in talks with certain distributors.
We know that Kannada films are suffering. A film like “Kirik Party”, which is breaking records is also losing screens due to Telugu films.
I am aware that it is difficult for my film to get screens. I am only hoping that my film gets decent screens in first week. I am confident of my film’s content and this will help my film survive. My film is not going to be a single week film.
Horror films have a good market for dubbing. Any plans of selling dubbing rights?
We have got many offers for dubbing rights as well as remake rights. A popular Tamil production house has approached us for remake rights. We have also been in talks with channels for satellite rights. We have not sold any of the rights and are waiting for the film to release. I am hundred percent sure my producer will be safe.
Tell us about your second film “Pythagoras”?
“Pythagoras” is a different film compared to my debut film. It is a thriller and is based on nuclear. In India, no film on nuclear has been made til now. Even though Ram Gopal Varma has announced a film on this concept, it has not gone on floors yet. My film has already gone on floors. The film has Pradeep Kumar Swamy and Vinod Raj in lead roles. The film is being produced by NRI Shilpa Santosh, who is based in the USA. This film will be more commercial and I am sure it will do well.
Who is your role model in Sandalwood?
I am a hardcore fan of Kannada films. I learnt most of the intricate details of films by simply watching films on screen. I feel all the actors and directors in Sandalwood are my Dronacharyas. However, one person, who I consider as my role model is Shankar Nag. He is a legend and no one can reach his greatness. It has been 25 years since his death, but people still talk about him. He is an inspiration.
Rocking Star is said to have supported your film. What do you have to say regarding it?
Rocking Star Yash has been a great support. I got his contact through a friend. I met him and played a few songs of my film. Despite being a superstar, he listen to the songs and gave his opinion. He also agreed to launch the music album. When our cast member Prathap met with accident, Yash donated Rs 2 lakhs. He helps so many people like these without revealing it to anyone. He has been a great support to youngsters like me and I wish him best.
Finally what do you have to say regarding your film?
We have worked really hard for the film. I can confidently say that people will love the film. After they come out the theatre, they will think about the film. Please do watch the film and support newcomers like us.
