‘Rudrabhishekam’, a film that portrays a family that has been worshipping Veeragase, one of the art and cultural traditions of our land, and tells the history of Lord Veerabhadra, will hit theatres across the state on September 25. The trailer release event of the film was held recently. Written and directed by Vasanth Kumar, who has penned the story, screenplay and dialogues, the film has been produced by nine farmers from Vijayapura under the banner of Fan India Creations.
Chinnari Muthu Vijay Raghavendra, besides portraying a Veeragase artist, is appearing in a dual role for the first time, playing both father and son. The heroine Priyanka Thimmesh has also portrayed two characters, one modern and the other traditional.
Speaking on the occasion, director Vasanth Kumar said, “The support of the producers, artists and technicians, who are like Navaratnas, has been immense in making my dream come true. Although many unpleasant incidents took place during the shooting, we had the blessings of Veerabhadra Devaru. We took the risk believing that people would watch it if we gave them something new. When Vijay Raghavendra climbed the hill and came down, his back pain disappeared. Out of the 50-day shoot, he worked with us for 22-23 days. Our aim is to take this folk art with a divine background to people across the state.”
Music director V. Manohar said that he has not only composed music for the film but has also acted in it. “They have given me a new get-up, saying they would show me in a different way,” he said.
Protagonist Vijay Raghavendra said, “When the director approached me, I asked him why he had chosen me. I had doubts whether I could do this role. I was scared even when I played the role of Puttajajja earlier. When the crown was placed on my head for the Veeragase character, which represents a disappearing art, it fell five times. After I prayed and wore it, it remained in place until the shooting was completed.
An incident that happened during the time of my ancestors connects with a person in the present day. I have played both the father and son roles. All the elements have been presented in the trailer. Along with devotion, faith and belief, the blessings of Lord Shiva are upon them,” he said.
Heroine Priyanka Thimmesh said that she is appearing in a dual role for the first time, playing both a village girl and a city girl.
Action choreographer Thriller Manju said that he has composed two spectacular action sequences for the film.
‘Rudrabhishekam’ is the first presentation of Fan India Creations. N. Jayaram, Manjunath K.N., K. Venkatesh, B. Chidananda Murthy, Suresh Babu, B.K. Ashwath Narayan, Shivakumar, K.S. Ravikumar and Kusuma Vasanth Kumar, among others, are the nine people who have invested in the film.
Film distributor Vijay Cinemas’ Vijaykumar said that the film is being released in more than 100 theatres.
Bal Rajawadi, Manu, Sanath, Bullet Vinu, Sheshachala, Mamatha Thuruvekere, Navanitha Shetty and Manjula are among those in important roles. The film has music composed by V. Manohar and cinematography by Muthuraj.
