It was on June 16, 1996 when director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar commenced the shooting of America America. The director shared a throwback picture with us of the muhurath, and the specialty of it was the film’s launch that took place in America. “As a writer and director, I wanted to do something different. Though ‘different’ is a cliche term now, it still was unique then,” says Nagathihalli.

“Launching a film in America was an expensive dream,” adds the director. The muhurath took place in the presence of lead actors Ramesh Aravind, Hema and Dattanna. “Luckily my wife was working in the US, and as a college professor, I would visit her during summer holidays. That was what gave me this idea. I got a lot of support from NRI Kannadigas, who were keen that I do a subject based in America.”    

The veteran director, who has been busy with Covid relief works, is also planning his next. “It will be done on a bigger canvas, and details of it will be revealed as early as possible,” he says.