BENGALURU: The Censor Board should be courageous and work independently without the influence of outside forces, said the ace Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam who started his directorial journey with the Kannada film, Pallavi Anupallavi, which also debuted star actor Anil Kapoor.
At the Eighth Bengaluru International Film Festival, being held both in Bengaluru and Mysuru, the ace director said that he was overwhelmed by the love and support shown by Bengalureans during the floods in Chennai recently.
On the censor board, he said, “After working on a film for quite sometime, it is unfortunate that the film gets stuck before the censor board. However, things are changing with sensible people placed at the decision making level and also proper representation from the South Indian film industry,” he said. To a big applause, he announced that he would make a comeback to Kannada films with a movie being produced by S.V Rajendra Singh Babu.
“I did Pallavi Anupalli and I am glad that it was appreciated. It won an award for the best screenplay,” he said. He advised budding actors, technicians and filmmakers to work on short films instead of working as assistants in feature films. His best advise came at the end: “Do not underestimate the audience.”
Chat with Amruta Subash
Tell us about you Kannada connection?
Veteran actor, director and singer B. Jayashree madam prepared me for my role in Astu. I am so glad that the role of Chennamma got me such a prestigious award. This is my happiest connection with Kannada and Bengaluru.
Actor, singer, which do you like the most?
I have sung a Kannada song, Malagu Malagu Jogayya, which was again with training from madam Jayashree. I enjoy all form of art, it helps me both as an actor and also as a singer.
