Murder mystery at Vinod Raj’s farm

Yaaradu? (Who's That?) boasts nifty camera work, says the actor who hosted the film's audio release on the city's outskirts

Murder mystery at Vinod Raj's farm

Yaaradu? (Who's That?) boasts nifty camera work, says the actor who hosted the film's audio release on the city's outskirts

The music release of Vinod Raj's new film Yaaradu? was organised at the actor's farm in Nelamangala. "My mother is also acting in Yaaradu? but I don't play her son on screen. I play the role of a strict investigative officer," explains the actor.

Excited about his new film, Vinod Raj said, "The camera work is going to be the talking point of the film. We have also used world-class graphics."

Leelavati, who is producing the film and acting in it, inaugurated two hospitals at Soladevanahalli, where the farm is located, to mark the happy occasion. While one is a veterinary hospital, the other a six-bed hospital caters to the locals. "The land was donated by the gram panchayat but the construction costs were borne by my mother," said Vinod Raj. They plan to hand over the hospital to the Soladevanahalli gram panchayat.

Plea for protection

Leelavati and Vinod Raj were in the news when their car was hit by a sharp object near Majestic. They alleged it was an attempt on their lives.u00a0

"I've been carrying a revolver with me. But I am certain that we need protection, considering that we have been targets of unnecessary violence in the past," said Vinod Raj. He showed this reporter the fiberglass fitted to his car after the incident. "It's an imported car. I need to get the glass from Japan. Right now, I've used a temporary replacement," he added.

Farmer at heart

The actor, who insisted that he's an agriculturist at heart, said he planned to name his farm Panchadravida.

"Every cottage on the farm is built using local materials. The paintings are done by local artists. I have tried to remain as loyal to my roots as possible," said Vinod Raj. He said he would explore the possibility of holding cultural programmes and ayurveda camps at the farm.

Taking us on an impromptu tour of the orchards, he pointed to a variety of fruit trees (butter fruit, almond, pomegranate, custard apple, etc) and explained their healing powers. Vinod Raj has been practicing floriculture on the farm. He cultivates exotic flowers and ferns.

"My life on the farm is complete. I feel at peace here with my 14 dogs and four cows," he said with a smile.

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