I play an innocent village girl in Kaanorayana: Sonu Gowda

The actor says she welcomes her role as village belle in crowd-funded film that speaks up for women’s empowerment
I play an innocent village girl in Kaanorayana: Sonu Gowda

Sonu Gowda has created a space for herself in the Kannada industry, by working in content-driven projects that give her a chance to explore various facets of acting. The actor, who has piqued moviegoers’ curiosity with hints about her role in the yet-to-be-released film Gultoo, is also part of Shalini IASOnthara Bangagalu and Fortuner. But Sonu says her film Kaanorayana with TS Nagabharana is special to her for many reasons. 

“Though I have worked in various dramas directed by Nagabharana, this is the first time I am working with him for a feature film. He has watched my previous films and considered me for this role after watching me in his son Pannaga’s directorial debut Happy New Year,” says Sonu, who is back to playing a village belle Gowri, after her much-appreciated role in Sumana Kittur’s Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu. “They were looking for a innocent-looking girl, and the director felt that I fit that character,” she says. 

Nagabharana adds cinematic flair to the story written by Manjunath, who is part of the rural development scheme of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade. The screenplay of the film has been written by Pannaga Bharana.

That the film is on women’s empowerment was an added attraction for Sonu. What is also interesting is how the project is being funded -- the Rs 4 crore needed as investment came from 20 lakh women members of various self-help groups, who have offered Rs 20 each. 

“This film is a classic example of how unity can make anything possible in this world,” says the actor, adding, “God has given so much power to a woman, she can be a creator and a destroyer. I am one of the women who have funded this film.”

The film was mostly shot in Belawadi and Jawagal, and one day in Koppa. Now in post-production, the film also features Skanda Ashok, and has music by Vasuki Vybhav. “Throughout the shooting for Kaanorayana, I felt that I was giving something back to nature,” says Sonu. 

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