Santhosh Ananddram made defining block-buster movies such as Mr and Mrs Ramachari and Raajakumara. He has come to be known as ‘Star Director’, but he says that success comes from a team effort.

While audience are still taking in the huge success of his first two films, they are wondering who will star in Santhosh’s next directorial. Rumours have it that Shivarajkumar or Sudeep may play the lead. It is the director’s birthday today and many had expected the announcement on that occasion, but he says it will be a while longer. Reason? He wants his script to take a form before deciding on the lead actor.

“I need clarity on the content,” he says, adding, “and I have already started work on it  with my team. He assures that the subject will be interesting and the movie, to be made in a larger scale than his earlier projects, will come with a social message.  

However, Santhosh is happy to announce his association with Hombale Films for his third outing too. “I am happy to work with this production house any number of times,” he says. “They are very passionate producers who understand cinema and who value their technicians. They put in the necessary investment and even spend on the script, which is rarely done. They acknowledge hardwork.”

The director is happy that the production house has bigger plans. “Vijay Kiragandur and Karthik Gowda, who are behind Hombale Films, are now opening a distribution house,” says Santhosh. “Being able to work with such producers gets half the job done.” Santhosh has decided not to allow any delays in his next outing. “I am trying my best to speed up my project,” he says, adding, “Once I have the final script in hand, I want to make sure that I complete the shoot and release the film within six months of going on floors.”