One of the top-notch directors of Kannada cinema, MD Sridhar, known for famous films like Friends, Jolly Days, Chellata, Porkhi, Odeya, Bul Bul, Buguri, Krishna, and others over the last 22 years, returns after a five-year hiatus. In collaboration with senior producer Suresh, Sridhar has completed an interesting film titled ‘Jumbo Circus,’ featuring promising actors Praveen Tej and Anjali Aneesh in lead roles.
MD Sridhar recalls that during the 100-day celebration of his film Krishna, producer Suresh gave him a Rs. 10,000 advance, which motivated him to make this film. Despite a few interruptions caused by one of the producers backing out, they managed to complete the film. MD Sridhar is skeptical about the trend of making one film every three years for superstars, as it does not sustain those dependent on the film industry. He hopes for a positive change in the Kannada cinema industry to attract audiences to theaters.
Describing the film, Sridhar explains that it revolves around two families who are poles apart, but the boy and girl from these families fall in love. They are childhood friends with very distinct characteristics, and despite their families being at odds, their relationship flourishes. The rest of the story unfolds on screen, as ace cinematographer Krishna Kumar, who has regularly worked with MD Sridhar, ensures a visually captivating experience.
Handsome hunk Praveen Tej expressed his anxiety during media briefings but nostalgically recounted attending the screening of MD Sridhar’s Krishna at Sagar Theater while working for Kasthuri TV Channel. From a minor role in Jolly Days, Tej has now become the lead hero under MD Sridhar’s direction in ‘Jumbo Circus,’ a film about friends and foes.
Anjali Aneesh, a lawyer by education, is in her second film after ‘Padavi Poorva.’ An accomplished dancer, she features in two dance numbers in ‘Jumbo Circus.’
The film’s music is composed by Vasuki Vybhav, with stunts by Dr. Ravi Verma. Dialogues are penned by Naghu Niduvalli, and Gnanesh serves as the editor.
‘Jumbo Circus’ is produced by HC Suresh under Sri Mahathi Combines, with Suprith Shetty as co-producer. Harsha A choreographed the dances, Sundar wrote the story, and Jayanth Kaikini, Dr. Nagendra Prasad, and Kaviraj contributed lyrics. Mohan B Kere is the art director.
The cast includes Avinash, Achyuth Kumar, Ravishanker Gowda, Swathi, Ashalatha, Lakshmi Siddaiah, Nayana Sharat, Jaggappa, the late Mohan Juneja, and others.
