The teaser of the upcoming Kannada film ‘Kaunteya’, produced by Suresh Kumar and directed by B.K. Chandrahaas, has generated curiosity with its promise of suspense, thrills and unexpected twists. PRO Nagendra launched the teaser, with the cast and crew sharing their experiences of working on the film.
Speaking at the teaser launch, PRO Nagendra praised director Chandrahaas for his dedication and disciplined approach to filmmaking. He said the director works rigorously without wasting time and expressed confidence that the team could even celebrate a 100-day run for the film. He also described Chandrahaas as a highly talented filmmaker and wished him success in all aspects.
Music director Raghavendra has composed the music for the film, which features two songs, including a pathos number picturised on Achyuth Kumar and sung by Vijay Prakash. The film also has a breakup-themed duet crooned by Siddharth Sriram. Writer Hari said the director gave him the liberty and freedom to work, while cinematographer P.L. Ravi noted that the focus throughout was on the content and that the working atmosphere was free of unnecessary pressure.
Editor Anuranjan said the final output has come together well, while background-score composer Mithun revealed that the film is designed as a thrilling experience. He hinted at a major surprise towards the climax, stating that the audience should watch the film to discover what happens.
Actress Priyanka Thimmesh, who plays an ACP, said the role demanded anger, attitude and a strong screen presence. Aditi Banakar is also part of the film. Actress Neethu, who plays a police character, said the attitude and characterization were shaped according to the director’s vision. She added that since the film is a suspense thriller, the audience would have to experience the story without knowing what lies ahead.
Actor Madesh described director Chandrahaas as his brother-like figure and spoke warmly about the team.
Veteran actor Achyuth Kumar, who plays a retired-age police officer, praised the director’s clarity. He said he initially wondered how Chandrahaas would execute his vision on the floor, but got his answer on the very first day of the shoot. He also appreciated the producer for standing by the team.
Manoranjan Ravichandran, who plays the villain, said he deliberately tried to step outside his comfort zone for the character. He consulted his brother Vikky before taking up the role and said he was impressed by the way the director had imagined the villain. The film features a battle between a police officer and the antagonist, and Manoranjan revealed that he worked for around eight days on his portions. He was particularly impressed by the producer’s commitment, recalling that the producer remained present on the sets even during a 24-hour shoot.
Manoranjan added that actors, even when they have played hero roles, need to explore different kinds of characters and said he was happy to take up a role that challenged his usual comfort zone.
Director B.K. Chandrahaas thanked the producer, who could not be present at the event, for giving him complete freedom to execute his vision. He also expressed gratitude to writer Hari, cinematographer P.L. Ravi and his co-director Umesh, who has been associated with him for nearly 15 years.
The film has completed three schedules in Mysuru and Bengaluru and is expected to hit the screens by the end of November. The director also made an intriguing remark about “blood” being both good and bad, adding another layer of curiosity to the film’s suspenseful narrative.
Actress Vihara thanked the director for trusting her with the role and praised the producer as someone who is rare, grounded and supportive. She also spoke positively about her pairing with Manoranjan and revealed that she has a song in the film.
With a strong ensemble cast, a police-versus-villain conflict, suspense, thrills and a promised surprise in the climax, ‘Kaunteya’ is shaping up as an intriguing thriller that aims to keep audiences guessing until the very end.
