The Twists in Happy Journey caught my attention: Srujan

Srujan Lokesh is now a very popular figure on the small screen thanks to his comedy show Maja Talkies. This has led him to become picky about the kind of films he chooses to be part of. The actor, who is getting back on the silver screen with Happy Journey, which is releasing this week, is currently doing promotions for the film, focusing specifically on the youth. He was happy to be around college kids as it took him back to his own days studying. In between, he took some time out to chat with CE.

He tells us that it was the unexpected twists and turns in Happy Journey’s storyline that caught his attention. “The film has mass appeal, but it also explores a completely different genre. It’s a simple film that has been executed very well,” he says.

The actor, who is known for his gift of gab, has been given the ‘talking star’ tag. According to him, people are given tags in the industry according to what they are best known for, but there are many hidden talents that also need to be brought to the forefront. He says, “Even if I am given a villain’s role, I should be ready to do it well. Happy Journey, which is a suspense thriller with all kinds of plot twists, has an interesting tag line - tiruvugalive hechcharike (warning, curves ahead). The film has no mirch masala, and I’m hoping it will do well.”

Shyam Shivamogga, who is a lyricist and has worked as a co-director before, is marking his first solo directorial venture with this film. He has also written all the songs for the movie.

Srujan says that cinema that reaches out to the masses is what interests him. “Me going out and saying that I’m doing a larger than life film like Avatar is definitely not convincing. I know that the English film was an experiment, but I also think about whether the audience can connect with the concept. There are so many films that I have not understood till date. So I prefer it to keep my films simple and meaningful, which helps me relate and get closer to people,” he says.

Along with Srujan, Happy Journey features Amita Kullal as the female lead, and also stars Kuri Prathap and Naveen Padil in pivotal roles.