This venture started off with a spark that triggered the idea of the film Kidi (meaning spark). It marks the directorial debut of Sandalwood’s noted choreographer Raghu S, who has choreographed songs for several hit films. Amongst his 100-plus numbers are the most popular — Kunidu Kunidu Baare… from the popular Kannada film Mungaru Male. Whereas, Bhuvan Chandra, the lead actor in Kidi started his acting journey struggling with support roles. He has now gone solo with a spark. The duo shares their spark with Bengaluru Chronicle, and much more.
“I have been in the Kannada film industry for more than 15 years, working in more than 100 films. While I have always aspired to direct a film, I was skeptical about the greater responsibility. After all that experience working in various genres, I had been planning a film with interesting content. That is when actor Bhuvan Chandra, for whom I had choreographed a song in his previous film, approached me. I was only asked if I was interested in doing the film. After seeing the original, I was told that I will be directing it, which came as a big surprise,” says the director Raghu.
On the other hand, Bhuvan Chandra, a dancer made it into films with Sirivantha starring the legendary, late Dr Vishnuvardhan in the lead, where he essayed the role of Vishnuvardhan’s elder son. “I was selected in the audition for the role by Rockline Venkatesh. It was a fabulous experience to share screen space with all these great actors — the late Vishnuvardhan Sir, Srinath Sir, Shruti Madam, and scores of senior actors. Later, I took a break, participated in a couple of dance reality shows. Then I trained in gymnastics and other skills with Appu Venkatesh, who has trained stars like Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar. After that I did the usual roles given to a newcomer — all the time searching for a passionate producer,” says Bhuvan.
The film Kidi is the remake of the Malayalam hit film Kali, which focuses on the basic characteristics of humans — frustration and the consequences of uncontrolled anger. After finding a producer, the hero started looking for a relevant and interesting subject, and in that search, he watched more than 300 films. “I was very impressed with Kali. It is a topic very close to all of us. And, it is even told in a commercial vein which keeps the audience entertained,” adds Bhuvan.
With several successful choreographers making their directorial debut including India’s Michael Jackson Prabhudeva,Harshan and Imran Sardhariya, Raghu says that spearheading the film was a whole new experience. “I was scared to take up direction, but with great support from the film crew, and producers, I was able to pull it off. I have poured in all my experiences with certain changes to the original script. I am hopeful that the audience will accept our hard work,” says Raghu. The actor has also done his own stunts for the film, and with the final output looking great and the immense support he has garnered for Kidi’s trailer and songs, it has boosted his confidence. Bhuvan is paired opposite the pretty Pallavi Gowda in the film.
