'I feel Kannada filmmakers should make Kannada films'

One of the most awaited films of the year, Malebille, releases tomorrow with some industry firsts. Manju Shettar gets the lowdown from director Mahesh Sukhadhare

You return to direction after a long time...
I was recovering from an accident. I did my homework for the film, and it took me some time to get the storyline. In the end, I realised that the accident had not wounded my mind or my creativity, but helped me concentrate.

What's Malebille about?
It is about young minds and their attitudes. Malebille deals with teenagers' aspirations, fears and confusions. Love is just a pretext. I am narrating a story like this for the first time.

Several films flopped this year. What hopes do you have for your film?
Malebille is a completely script-oriented film and it doesn't overdo the hero bit. It has a good background score by Manikant Kadri. We have good camerawork and a good cast. We will win because our work is very strong. These days directors work for a couple of movies as assistants and try to direct a film without homework. Real estate businessmen promote their children as actors. When such films bomb and they lose money, they blame the industry.

Diganth has a reputation for not turning up on time... Your experience?
I liked his performance. But he is one of those who make mistakes despite knowing everything. It is all a matter
of how the director handles him.

What is your prescription for improving box office collections for Kannada films?
Kannada directors should make Kannada films instead of remaking films from other languages. Then things will change.

More on Malebille
Audio CDs of the film will be sold for Rs 25 each in movies theatre a first in Kannada film history. Fans who buy the CD will get a customised key chain free.

Folk musicians and dancers will perform in the theatre on the opening day.