Mysuru, Oct. 19 (GA&VNS)- ‘Kantara Chapter-1’ has been creating new records with people thronging theatres and multiplexes to watch the movie. While actors Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah and Jayaram dominate the screen space, the supporting characters enhance the visual look.

Mysuru, which has a rich theatre culture, has produced many actors who have made a mark for themselves in the film industry, which was evident in the movie ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.

Actors Bala Rajwadi (Jabbajja), Ranjan Shetty (Maha Mantri), Shailesh Kadri (Head of Kadapa Clan) and Gautham Raj (Jabbajja’s Father) have showcased their talent playing supporting characters.

Adding to this are child artistes Lekhana (Laddu) and Sanvi, students of Kodagu Model School, who are seen among the children of Kantara.

Fresh hopes for ‘Jabbajja’

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Bala Rajwadi said he had to undergo a look and costume test before being finalised for Jabbajja’s character.

“We had several rehearsals of the fighting scenes and forest sequences, living in tribal habitats along with learning Kalaripayattu and fights without using ropes”, he said, and added that actors were also made to rehearse for two to three days for the climax scene along with Rishab Shetty.

Actor Shailesh Kadri said every person involved in the movie, including Rishab Shetty, had worked hard for the success of the film.

“It is a matter of pride that the movie has been running successfully. I have been receiving calls from abroad appreciating my work in the movie. This has also opened doors for me in other languages, with offers coming for Tamil movies,” he added.

The team identified me

Ranjan Shetty, who is seen in several Kannada movies, recalled how he was roped in to play the character of Maha Mantri. Not a part of the original star cast, Rajan Shetty was called by the movie team after the sudden demise of actor Dinesh of Mangaluru, who was originally selected to play the character.

“I had the opportunity to shoot for 28 days along with great actors. The production house took good care of the actors,” he said.

Special experience

Gauthamraj Harsha, who has played the character of Jabajja’s father, said that having acted in movies such as big movies such as Katera and KGF, Kantara was a special experience.

“The entire movie set was filled with actors, and Rishab Shetty successfully managed each one to get the desired output. I have shot for six days, and the experience of the Kundapura schedule is unmatchable,” he said.

Meanwhile, child artistes Lekhna and Sanvi, daughters of Purushotham and Renuka couple, residents of Papanna Layout in Yaraganahalli, have also showcased their talent.

The duo had also featured in a Malayalam movie and in a Kannada reality show ‘Drama Juniors’, which is popular among the children.