The muhurat ceremony of Grantha, being produced under the Shark Cinemas banner by Gokak-based Haripriya Ravikopp, was held in a grand manner at Kanteerava Studios. “Rowdyism Will Die, But Grantha Will Survive”
‘Grantha’ explores the underworld of rowdyism across several states.
Sri Sri Muruga Rajendra Swamiji of Shunya Sampadane Matha, Gokak, attended the ceremony and blessed the team. Actor Aniruddha Jatkar sounded the clapboard for the first shot.
Sanjeev Gawandi has written and is directing the film, which carries the catchy tagline “Bhulokada Adhipathi” (The Lord of the Earth).
Yuva plays the lead role, while veteran actor Abhijith, Cockroach Sudhi, Ravi Kale and Shayyaji Rao Shinde are among the other cast members. The technical team includes Anjan Poojari as music director, Veeresh N.T.A. as cinematographer, Satish Chandraiah as editor, Dr. Thriller Manju handling stunts, and V. Nagesh, Bhushan and V. Murali choreographing the dance sequences.
Speaking about the film, director Sanjeev Gawandi said that Grantha was a dream he had nurtured for three years. The story underwent repeated changes before he arrived at a version that he felt was right and developed it into its present form. The film incorporates elements from the 1990s and aims to portray how rowdyism operates not only in Karnataka but also in other states.
“The protagonist wants to create a ‘Grantha’ of his own. He intends to record his creative thoughts and experiences in it and explain to future generations what the underworld is like. People should read it to understand that world. That is why we chose the title Grantha,” the director explained. Although the story is fictional, the team is incorporating certain real-life elements. The name of a well-known actress who will play the female lead will be announced in the coming days.
The team plans to shoot in beautiful locations across Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mumbai and North Karnataka.
Producer Haripriya Ravikopp said she had travelled from a distant place to produce the film and appealed to the media to extend their support and blessings.
Yuva, who was previously known as ‘Bhai Yuva’ following his appearance in the film Bhai, said that ‘Grantha’ is his second film and offered him an opportunity to showcase his talent. “Even after a person dies, what remain to be remembered are the pen and the book. A machete, on the other hand, remains in people’s memories only until death. The power behind it is rowdyism,” Yuva said while introducing his character.
Actor Abhijith maintained suspense about his role, revealing only that he would be seen in a negative shade. Cockroach Sudhi, meanwhile, joked that his character would be one of the most memorable roles he had received so far.
Actor Naveen Shankar, who attended the event as a guest, expressed his happiness at seeing Sanjeev, who had worked as a delivery boy, become a director. Noting that the people involved in the project belonged to that region, Naveen Shankar wished the entire team success and prosperity.
