Producer Ramamurthy bags coveted Jodethu title, keen to work with Darshan on multi-starrer

Ever since Darshan uttered the word Jodethu (meaning a pair of bulls) at actor-politician Sumalatha’s press conference, it has been the talk of the town. A few filmmakers immediately rushed to register the title at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). But the lucky person to have bagged this title is producer MG Ramamurthy.

Confirming the news, he says the title has been registered under the Chitra Kuteera banner. “Since I was the first to apply for the title request at the Film Chamber, I was able to get it,” says Ramamurthy, who is putting together a team of writers from Bengaluru and Chennai to work on a story that will suit the title.

According to the producer, it will be a multi-starrer with Darshan in the lead. “If the team comes up with a good story that suits the title, and if Darshan agrees, Jodethu might be our 55^th film together,” says Ramamurthy, adding that the other hero will be decided after Darshan makes his decision. “Right now, we are working on the script. It is going to be a commercial film from our end. Whether it will have political elements or not is something we will know after the story board is done.”

Darshan, who is waiting for the release of Muniratna Kurukshetra and Odeya, is at present shooting for Tharun Sudhir’s Roberrt. The 'Challenging Star' also has Rajendra Singh Babu’s historical drama, Gandugali Madakari Nayaka, which will be produced by Rockline Venkatesh.

No political connection to Ganesh’s Elidiyappa

While Nikhil Elidiyappa was another title much in demand, producer A Ganesh has decided to get rid of the name, and has decided to go ahead with Elidiayappa for his next production venture. “I wanted to register this title two months ago, since I was looking for a colloquial and catchy title. I want to clarify that it is no way connected to politics or politicians,” says Ganesh, who formally launched the title on May 13.

He adds that the story — based on father-son sentiments — is getting ready. “This will be a commercial thriller, made on a Rs 17 crore budget. I am planning to rope in a star cast, and am in talks with a well-known director from the Telugu industry,” he says. 

While he initially wanted to wait for the poll results to make this announcement, the producer decided against it considering the demand for any form of the name. Right now, he has actors Rakshit Shetty, Sriimurali, and Ravi Chandran in mind. “In fact I am keen to have Shivarajkuamar on board and plan to approach him soon. It will depend on the dates,” he adds.

Meanwhile, the title Nikhil Elidiyappa has been registered under Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce,  an alternate body that was established in 2015. Krishne Gowda, the president of this new film chamber wants to produce and direct the film.

Kalethu bagged by producer Vijay Kumar

Yet another title that was in demand was Kalethu (meaning a pair of bulls who are thieves). This was bagged by Vijay Kumar, a producer and syndicate member of KFCC. However, the producer wants to wait before starting work on the project.