The muhurat ceremony of ‘Battalion’, produced by Prakash S. Boodur under the banner of Akasha Pictures, was held at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kumar Park. K.S. Krishnakumar, who has penned the story and screenplay, is also directing the film.
Producer Prakash Boodur sounded the clapboard for the first shot, while P.C. Shekar switched on the camera.
Speaking at the press conference following the ceremony, director K.S. Krishnakumar said that he has been working in the film industry as an assistant director for the past 15 years. He had earlier directed ‘Lambodara’, and Battalion marks his second directorial venture.
“Battalion is about a gang of seven boys. Along with emotions and friendship, the film also explores the fights and conflicts among these youngsters and their journey. The house shown in the poster is where the boys of the ‘Battalion’ live. We are commencing the shoot from tomorrow and plan to shoot for around 50 days in and around Kasaragod, Karkala, Goa and Bengaluru. Pramod Shetty will be seen in an important role, while Ahan and Vamshi, known for Mahanati, are playing key characters. The film has three songs and one action sequence,” he said.
Producer Prakash Boodur revealed that he has been running the Alliance University Education Institute for the past 20 years. He has already produced Mahan, starring Shivarajkumar and Vijay Raghavendra, which is currently ready for release.
“Battalion is our second film. When the director narrated the story to me, I liked it. When something new is attempted and a good film is made keeping the interests of the current generation in mind, audiences will definitely come to theatres. Entertainment should have all the elements. The story and screenplay for this film have been developed over the past six to eight months. Friendship has happiness, jealousy and hatred, and all these emotions are part of the story. This is a comedy thriller,” he said.
Pramod Shetty said he agreed to be part of the film after listening to the story and learning about his character. “When the director narrated the story and explained my role, I liked it and decided to be part of the film. We are making this movie keeping the local theatre audience in mind,” he said.
Lead actor Ahan said that he has been associated with theatre for the past five to six years and has acted in six films, including Devasasya. In Battalion, he plays a character named Santhu. “I have been involved in theatre for five to six years and have acted in six films, including ‘Devasasya’. My character in this film is Santhu. The story revolves around boys in the 18–20 age group and features ego clashes among them,” he said.
Vamshi, who plays the female lead, said the story has elements that audiences can easily connect with. “This is a story that everyone can connect with. The curiosity lies in how I become a part of this gang of boys,” she said.
The film has music composed by Chetan Ammaiah, while Ajay is handling the cinematography.
