The Big Picture: Shivarajkumar and Puneeth for Tagaru 2

Tagaru’s stupendous success has made director Suri more ambitious about the sequel. He now wants to bring in both Shivarajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar together for the film, which he thinks should be named Tagaru 2. “With Tagaru being well received by audiences, I was struck with the idea of bringing two tagarus (rams) together, and if it works according to our vision, Tagaru 2 will be a double dhamaka for fans,” he says.

Citing examples of Munirathna Kurukshetra, The Villain and KGF, Suri says that Kannada industry is coming up with a lot of big-budget films, and this combination of Shivanna and Puneeth will be huge. “I have put forth the idea to producer KP Sreekanth, and he plans to take it forward with the stars,” says Suri.

The director has already worked with Puneeth Rajkumar on films such as Jackie, Anna Bond and Doddmane Huduga, and with Shivanna on Kaddipudi and Tagaru. “I know their style of working and I understand what kind of characterisation works well for both. Moreover, I am confident about their combination. So it is matter of discussing it at the table, where four of us can sit together for a brainstorm session. If it works out, I will start working on the project after I complete with Suri Popcorn Monkey Tiger.”

“Since, Shivanna’s police officer character is already fixed, I just have to bring in Puneeth Rajkumar now. With the two of them, I can start the story from any point, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a sequel,” he explains, adding, “At a time when the industry is investing in big-budget films, one that stars Shivarajkumar and Puneeth will take us to the next level. This will also help me in starting work on big-budget films.”

Suri also takes the opportunity to say that he is equally keen to associate with actors such as Darshan, Sudeep and Yash. “I looking forward to creating some extraordinary stories for all these actors, something that will be liked by the Kannada audience,” he signs off.